AP World History UNIT 4 REVIEW [Everything You NEED to Know!]

Recent questions

• What is mercantilism in simple terms?

  Mercantilism is an economic theory focused on maximizing exports and minimizing imports. It encourages nations to accumulate wealth through trade, often leading to the establishment of colonies for resource control. This system was prevalent in Europe from the 16th to the 18th centuries, where governments played a significant role in regulating the economy to enhance national power. By prioritizing the export of goods, countries aimed to achieve a favorable balance of trade, which was believed to strengthen the state. The mercantilist approach often resulted in competition among European powers to acquire colonies and resources, shaping global trade dynamics.

• How did the Columbian Exchange affect populations?

  The Columbian Exchange had profound effects on populations in both the Americas and Europe. It facilitated the transfer of crops, animals, and diseases between the two hemispheres. In the Americas, the introduction of European diseases like smallpox led to devastating population declines among indigenous peoples, who had no immunity. Conversely, new crops such as potatoes and maize introduced to Europe contributed to population growth and agricultural diversity. This exchange not only transformed diets but also altered social structures, as the influx of new resources and the decline of native populations reshaped communities and economies on both sides of the Atlantic.

• What role did joint stock companies play in exploration?

  Joint stock companies were crucial in financing exploration during the Age of Discovery. These companies allowed multiple investors to pool their resources, sharing both the risks and profits associated with overseas ventures. For instance, the Dutch East India Company, established in 1602, became a powerful entity in trade and exploration, enabling the Dutch to dominate spice trade routes. This model of investment encouraged more extensive exploration and colonization, as it reduced the financial burden on individual investors and provided the necessary capital for expeditions. The success of joint stock companies significantly contributed to the expansion of European influence globally.

• How did European powers impact the Americas?

  European powers significantly impacted the Americas through colonization, trade, and the introduction of new agricultural practices. Following Columbus's voyages, Spain established vast colonies, leading to the exploitation of resources and the establishment of the transatlantic trade system. The introduction of enslaved Africans to work on plantations, particularly for sugar production, transformed the economic landscape. Additionally, European settlers brought new crops and livestock, which altered indigenous ways of life and agricultural practices. The resulting demographic shifts, cultural exchanges, and social hierarchies created lasting changes in the Americas, with profound implications for indigenous populations and European settlers alike.

• What was the significance of the Tokugawa shogunate's trade policies?

  The Tokugawa shogunate's trade policies were significant in shaping Japan's interactions with the outside world during the early modern period. Initially, the shogunate welcomed European traders, particularly for gunpowder and other goods. However, as concerns grew over the influence of Christianity and foreign intervention, Japan adopted a policy of isolation, limiting trade primarily to the Dutch. This isolationist stance allowed Japan to maintain control over its culture and society while avoiding the conflicts that characterized European colonial expansion. The shogunate's policies ultimately preserved Japan's sovereignty and led to a unique development path, distinct from other nations engaged in global trade.