Empire, Slavery and War

Atlantic Economy in the 17th and 18th Centuries Characteristics

World trade became fundamental Spain and Portugal revitalized their empires and

began drawing more wealth from renewed development.

Netherlands, Great Britain, and France benefited most; Great Britain the leading maritime power.

Britain’s commercial leadership based on mercantilism

Navigation Laws: aimed to reduce Dutch trade in Atlantic region (1st in 1651, Cromwell)

Atlantic Slave Trade Basis of the

Triangular Trade System.

Nearly 10 million transported.

Millions more died in the ordeal.

In the 1780s, European participation died off, but it was not outlawed by Britain until 1807.

South Sea Bubble South Sea Bubble: responsible for exploiting the

asiento other commercial privileges won from Spain after Treaty of Utrecht (1713)

Took over large portion of public debt by receiving gov’t bonds in return for shares of its stock.

Stock values soared but the “bubble” burst in 1720 England recovered better than France who had

created a Mississippi Bubble for New Orleans commerce.

“Bubble Act”: forbade joint-stock companies, except those chartered by gov’t

3 Anglo-Dutch wars (1652-74)hurt Dutch

shipping and commerce

Netherlands’ “golden age”: during 1st half of 17th century, now in decline

Colonial Wars: Britain v. FranceWar of Spanish Succession (Queen

Anne’s War) (1701-1713)Treaty of Utrecht (1713):

Britain received asiento (slave trade) from Spain

Britain allowed to send 1 ship of merchandise annually into Panama

Britain received control of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and

Colonial Wars: Britain v. FranceWar of Jenkins’ Ear (1739): started

over Spanish anger over British abuse of asiento.

Expanded into War of Austrian Succession the following year

War of Austrian Succession (King George’s War) (1740-1748)

Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748): restored status quo prior to war

Colonial Wars: Britain v. France Seven Years War (French and

Indian War, The Great War for Empire) (1754-1763) Continental War primary between Prussia and Austria.

Global war in North America, Caribbean and India.

William Pitt the Elder: successfully led war effort from Parliament for UK; British naval superiority won the day.

Flag of Maryland Militia under G. Washington, defeated at Ft. Duquesne

Colonial Wars: Britain v. France Robert Clive defeats French backers in India

at the Battle of Plassey (June 1557) General Wolfe defeated Montcalm on the

Plains of Abraham (Battle of Quebec) in Sept. 1759.

Treaty of Paris (1763): Britain gained all French territory in North America

(Canada and the US Midwest) Spain gained New Orleans and Louisiana. Removed French from significant position in India.

British in IndiaTook advantage of the

teetering Mughal Empire.The British East India

Company grew in power; ruled Bengal.

India Act of 1784 placed India under control of British gov’t

The British Raj transformed India into the “Jewel of the British Crown” in the 19th century.

Spanish Colonies Spain’s Latin American colonies: helped

revitalize Spanish empire in 18th c. gold and silver mining recovered significant trade with mother country

Creoles elite came to rival top Spanish authorities (about 10% of population)

Mestizos increased to about 20% of population black slavery in Cuba and Puerto Rico

Portuguese ColoniesPortuguese Brazil: about 50% of

population African by early 19th c.more successful in blending races than

in Spanish colonies or United StatesSlavery remained in place until the end

of the 19th century.