4.5 Maritime Empires Maintained and Developed Flashcards
Mercantilist policies
Mercantilism is an economic theory that advocates for a positive balance of trade, where exports exceed imports. It encourages government regulation of a nation’s economy to augment state power at the expense of rival national powers.
Think of mercantilism as a game of Monopoly. The goal is to accumulate as much wealth (or properties in the game) as possible while minimizing what you give away (paying rent). Just like in Monopoly, countries under mercantilist policies aim to export more than they import, thereby accumulating wealth.
Cultural Synthesis
This is the blending or merging of different cultural elements into a new, unique culture. It often occurs when different societies come into contact through trade, conquest, or migration.
Commercial Revolution
The Commercial Revolution refers to the period of European economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism which lasted from approximately the late 13th century until the early 18th century. It was characterized by an increase in general commerce, and in the growth of financial services such as banking and investing.
Think of it like a shopping mall opening up in a small town. Before, people were limited to local shops or had to travel far for more options. But with this new mall (the Commercial Revolution), there are suddenly many more choices available right at their doorstep.
Price Revolution
The Price Revolution refers to the period in European history during which inflation rose steadily from the 15th through 17th centuries. This was largely due to an influx of gold and silver from Spanish colonies in America.
Imagine if everyone in your neighborhood suddenly found gold nuggets in their backyards. At first, everyone would be thrilled! But soon you’d realize that because everyone has gold now, its value decreases - so prices for goods start going up. That’s what happened during the Price Revolution.
British East India Company
The British East India Company was an English company formed for the exploitation of trade with East and Southeast Asia and India, incorporated by royal charter on December 31, 1600. It became one of the leading economic and political forces in India.
Triangular Trade
Triangular Trade refers to the transatlantic trading pattern which transported goods from Europe to Africa, slaves from Africa to the Americas, and then raw materials from the Americas back to Europe.
Audiencias
Audiencias were advisory groups that assisted viceroys in Spanish colonies. They served both judicial and administrative functions.
An audiencia can be compared to your school’s student council. Just as student council advises on school policies and helps make decisions, audiencias advised viceroys and helped govern colonies.
Viceroys
A viceroy is a governor who rules as a representative of a monarch. In the context of AP World History, this term often refers to the viceroys of Spanish colonies in the Americas.
Santeria
Santeria is an Afro-Caribbean religion based on Yoruba beliefs and traditions, with some Roman Catholic elements added. It was developed among West African slaves brought to Cuba.
Imagine making a smoothie using different fruits - you start with a base like bananas (Yoruba beliefs), then add strawberries (Catholic elements), maybe even some blueberries (Caribbean influences). The end result is a unique blend that still retains flavors from each ingredient - just like how Santeria combines different religious practices into one belief syste
Vodun
Vodun, also known as Voodoo, is a traditional Afro-Haitian religion that combines elements from West African religions with Arawakian traditions and Roman Catholic Christianity.
Candomble
Candomble is an Afro-Brazilian religious tradition, practiced mainly in Brazil by the “povo de santo” (people of the saint). It originated from African religions brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans. The religion involves animal sacrifice, spirit possession, and dances in honor of gods known as orixas.
Think of Candomble like a big family reunion where everyone has their unique role and contribution. Just like at a family gathering where you might honor your grandparents by sharing stories about them or cooking their favorite recipes, practitioners of Candomble honor different orixas through specific rituals and offerings.
Virgin of Guadalupe
The Virgin of Guadalupe refers to an apparition of the Virgin Mary who appeared to an indigenous man named Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City in 1531. She is now recognized as a symbol of Mexican identity and Catholic faith.
Imagine if your favorite celebrity showed up unexpectedly at your local park - it would cause quite a stir! That’s kind-of what happened with the Virgin Mary appearing on Tepeyac Hill. And just like how fans might wear t-shirts with their favorite celebrity’s face on it to show their support, many Mexicans display images of the Virgin of Guadalupe to express their faith and national pride.
