columbian exchange Flashcards
Colonialism and Encounter
The Columbian Exchange (definition)
Refers to the transfer of peoples, animals, plants and diseases between the Europe, Africa, and the Americas
Khipus (or Quipus)
-Khipus are knotted string devices used by the Inca and other peoples of the central Andes to record information
-The number of knots, their placement, and the color of the cords all contributed to the message
Cahokia
-Center of the Mississippian civilization, in present day Illinois, with large earthwork mounds and a population of ten to twenty thousand
-More people lived in Cahokia in 1200 than in any other city on the Americas north of the Rio Grande until the late 18th century
the “wheel of fortune”
the idea of the “Wheel of Fortune” plays an important role in showing how unpredictable life can be. Chaucer presents Fortune as a powerful force that can suddenly change a person’s situation, making someone wealthy one moment and poor the next. This concept reminds us that no matter how high someone climbs in society, they can easily fall just as fast. For instance, characters in his tales often experience dramatic ups and downs, which highlights the idea that success and happiness aren’t guaranteed. Through this metaphor, Chaucer encourages readers to think about the nature of wealth and power, suggesting that they can be fleeting and that it’s essential to stay humble. Overall, the Wheel of Fortune serves as a reminder that life is full of surprises, and we should be prepared for both the highs and lows.
The Danse Macabre
-Focused on the inevitability of death
-Popular motif, expressing death that is constant and present
research:
The Danse Macabre, or “Dance of Death,” is a fascinating theme that became popular in art and literature during the late Middle Ages, especially after the Black Death in the 14th century. It represents the idea that death comes for everyone, no matter their social status or wealth, reminding us that in the end, we’re all equal. You might see this concept depicted in artwork as a lively dance between skeletons and people from different walks of life—like kings, peasants, and clergy—each joined together in this dance. This imagery not only reflects the fears and uncertainties of the time but also serves as a memento mori, a reminder to think about our mortality and how we choose to live our lives. The theme has inspired many famous works, including paintings and even music, like Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Danse Macabre,” which captures the eerie yet whimsical spirit of the idea. Overall, the Danse Macabre encourages us to appreciate life while acknowledging that death is a natural part of the human experience
Reconquista
slides:
-def:crusades by catholic powers on the Iberian Peninsula to oust Muslim rule and colonize Atlantic islands between the eighth and fifteenth centuries
-Unification of much of Spain under the Castilian monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella
-Reconquista justified as “Holy War”
-Expulsion of Muslims and Jews from Spain
research
The Reconquista was a long series of battles and campaigns that lasted from the 8th to the 15th centuries. It was all about Christian kingdoms in Spain trying to take back control from Muslim rulers who had been in charge of parts of the Iberian Peninsula for a long time.
What It Was: Think of it as a “holy war” where Christian leaders aimed to push Muslims out of Spain and establish their own power. They also wanted to colonize some nearby Atlantic islands.
Unification of Spain: Over time, two key figures—Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic monarchs—unified a lot of Spain under their rule. They were super important in bringing different regions together.
Religious Justification: The Reconquista was justified as a “Holy War.” This meant that they believed they were fighting for their faith, which made it feel even more important to them.
Aftermath: When they finally took Granada in 1492, it marked the end of Muslim rule in Spain. Unfortunately, this also led to the expulsion of many Muslims and Jews from the country, as Ferdinand and Isabella wanted to create a fully Christian nation.
Extractive Colonialism
Colonialism designed to extract resources, such as gold, labor, minerals, etc.
settler colonialism
Colonialism designed to occupy land, forcing Indigenous people off of their homelands.
Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)
The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, was an important agreement between Spain and Portugal that aimed to settle their competition over newly discovered lands. After Columbus’s voyages to the Americas, both countries wanted to claim territories for themselves, which could lead to conflicts. To prevent this, the Pope stepped in and created a line that divided the world: lands to the west would belong to Spain, while those to the east would be Portugal’s. This meant Spain could claim most of South and Central America, while Portugal focused on Brazil and parts of Africa and Asia. Although the treaty was a big deal at the time, enforcing it was tough, and as more lands were discovered, both countries kept expanding their empires. Ultimately, the Treaty of Tordesillas shaped the way European nations colonized the Americas and influenced the development of modern countries in the region.
the columbian exchange (slides)
-Phrase coined by the historian Albert Crosby in 1972
-Refers to the transfer of peoples, animals, plants and diseases between the Europe, Africa, and the Americas
Caloric Revolution
The Caloric Revolution refers to the significant changes in diet and food production that occurred due to the Columbian Exchange, which connected the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) with the New World (the Americas) after Columbus’s voyages. This exchange introduced many new crops that were rich in calories, such as potatoes, maize (corn), and sweet potatoes, which became staples in diets around the world. These high-calorie foods were particularly important because they provided the energy needed for growing populations, especially in Europe, where they helped support agricultural growth and urbanization. As people began to rely more on these calorie-dense crops, they experienced better nutrition and improved health. Overall, the Caloric Revolution transformed how people fed themselves and their families, leading to changes in farming practices and lifestyles that laid the groundwork for modern food systems.
protein revolution
The Protein Revolution refers to the major changes in diets and farming that happened because of the Columbian Exchange, which was the movement of plants, animals, and goods between the Old World and the New World after Columbus’s voyages. When Europeans brought livestock like pigs, cows, and chickens to the Americas, it provided new sources of meat and other animal products, greatly expanding the options for protein in people’s diets. At the same time, new protein-rich crops, such as peanuts and soybeans, were introduced, enhancing food security and nutrition. These changes transformed agriculture, as farmers learned to raise these animals and grow these crops, leading to more productive farms and healthier diets. Overall, the Protein Revolution made a big impact on how people ate and farmed, shaping food systems that we still see today.
price revolution
The Price Revolution was a period of significant inflation in Europe during the late 15th and 16th centuries, largely influenced by the Columbian Exchange. After Columbus’s voyages, large amounts of gold and silver flowed into Europe from the Americas, which increased the overall money supply and caused prices for goods and services to rise. At the same time, new crops like potatoes, corn, and tomatoes were introduced to European diets, which helped populations grow but also led to higher demand for food and goods. This sudden inflation created economic challenges; while wealthy landowners and merchants profited, many ordinary people struggled with rising costs of living. Overall, the Price Revolution shows how the connections between the Old World and the New World transformed economies in Europe, setting the stage for future economic changes and even the rise of capitalism.
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus is most known for his voyages across the Atlantic Ocean that led to the European discovery of the Americas in 1492. He is credited with opening up the New World to European exploration and colonization, which profoundly changed the course of history. His initial landing in the Bahamas marked the beginning of sustained contact between Europe and the Americas, leading to significant cultural, economic, and demographic shifts.
Columbus’s expeditions are often celebrated for their adventurous spirit and navigational achievements, but they also sparked a period of colonization that had devastating impacts on Indigenous populations, including violence, disease, and the disruption of their societies. This dual legacy makes him a complex and controversial figure in history.
