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Transoceanic Connections: Unit 4 Overview

Driving Question: How did economic developments and new transoceanic connections affect social structures in different parts of the world from c. 1450 to 1750 CE?

The first truly global age—full of both prosperity and tragedy—forever altered the course of human history. The already massive, complex trading systems within the Americas and Afro-Eurasia were linked by the Columbian Exchange, creating a network that carried goods, people, ideas, and germs across the world. New maritime empires exerted control over vast oceans and diverse populations, the impacts of which can still be seen today.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain how technological, economic, and philosophical factors contributed to changing patterns of trade and travel from 1450 to 1750.
  2. Evaluate the causes and effects of the Columbian Exchange in different regions of the world from 1450 to 1750.
  3. Use historical thinking skills and reasoning processes such as claim testing, sourcing, and continuity and change over time to evaluate historical events and processes.

Vocab Terms:

  • demographic
  • ecological
  • enslave
  • exchange
  • indigenous
STEP 1

Opener: Transoceanic Connections

STEP 2

Unit 4 Overview

If you’ve ever been to Louisiana, you may have tried Gumbo. It’s often associated with that state; however, the history of how that recipe came to be there can teach us a lot about diffusion during the Columbian Exchange!

Unit 4 Overview: Transoceanic Interconnections External link

This video will make you hungry! Learn about the history of gumbo and how the Columbian Exchange between Afro-Eurasia and the Americas cooked up this tasty dish.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 3

Unit 4 Introduction: Transoceanic Interconnections 1450 to 1750

Many items, ideas, and even diseases were traded during the Columbian Exchange—but not all trades were mutually beneficial swaps.

STEP 4

Closer: Transoceanic Connections