Transoceanic Interconnections (1450-1750) Cheat Sheet

The core ideas of Transoceanic Interconnections (1450-1750) distilled into a single, scannable reference — perfect for review or quick lookup.

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Quick Reference

Columbian Exchange

The massive transfer of plants, animals, diseases, people, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World after 1492.

Atlantic Slave Trade

The forced transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas between the 16th and 19th centuries to work on plantations.

Encomienda System

Spanish colonial system granting colonists the right to demand labor and tribute from indigenous people in exchange for supposed protection and religious instruction.

Mercantilism

Economic theory holding that national wealth is measured by gold and silver reserves, and that colonies exist to enrich the mother country through favorable trade balances.

Middle Passage

The forced voyage of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean, marked by horrific conditions, disease, and high mortality.

Key Terms at a Glance

Columbian Exchange:The transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and people between the Americas and the Old World after 1492.

Atlantic Slave Trade:The forced transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Middle Passage:The transatlantic voyage of slave ships from Africa to the Americas.

Encomienda:Spanish colonial system granting colonists rights to indigenous labor and tribute.

Mercantilism:Economic theory holding that colonies exist to enrich the mother country.

Triangular Trade:Atlantic trade pattern linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Plantation System:Large-scale agriculture using enslaved labor to produce cash crops for export.

Manila Galleon:Spanish trading vessels crossing the Pacific between Acapulco and Manila.

Casta System:Racial hierarchy in Spanish colonies based on European, indigenous, and African ancestry.

Cash Crop:Agricultural product grown for sale and export rather than subsistence.

Conquistador:Spanish military explorers who conquered indigenous civilizations in the Americas.

Hacienda:Large landed estate in Spanish colonies, often using coerced labor.

Potosi:Bolivian city with massive silver mines that fueled the global silver trade.

Bartolome de las Casas:Spanish friar who documented and protested the abuse of indigenous peoples.

Mestizo:Person of mixed European and indigenous ancestry in Spanish colonial society.

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