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Colonialism, Mercantilism, & Labor Systems
Lesson 5
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Main Ideas: Each country establishes colonies for unique reasons, but colonies serve standard purposes New systems of labor are developed to accommodate colonial goals A new economic system is developed based on colonialism and a new global trade market
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Colonialism Political control for economic benefits
Colonies are established for three reasons: Provide raw materials for the mother country Serve as a market for manufactures Provide an outlet for excess population
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Colonial Policy The “Mother Country”: National variations:
Maintains colonies as long as they supply resources MUST keep colonies dependent (politically & economically) National variations: SPAIN--all decisions made by king FRANCE--colonies paid astronomical taxes ENGLAND—salutary neglect
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Coercive Labor Practices
Spanish mita system, slave trade Encomienda System (ESP): landlords granted haciendas; rights to land, resources, & labor of inhabitants Variations in Slavery: Caribbean/Brazil: rapid turnover—more cost effective to “buy new ones” North America: est. much later—end of slave trade forces maintenance
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Mercantilism Economic philosophy that promotes commercialism using colonial raw materials & European manufacturing Necessary factors: Colonial possessions Ability to manufacture goods Currency based on gold & silver
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Mercantilist Policies
Wealth based on bullion (gold & silver)
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Mercantilist Policies
Favorable Balance of Trade: sell to other countries (for gold), but don’t buy from them
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Mercantilist Policies
Become self-sufficient--colonies help this by providing raw materials without foreign trade & a market to sell goods The Trans-Atlantic Trade System (Triangular Trade)
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Trans-Atlantic Trade, 1492-1800
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Problems Depends on raw materials from colonies
Encourages limiting trade MOST IMPORTANT!--hoarding gold causes terrible inflation (prices in Spain rose 120% in 1500’s)
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Conclusions Mercantilism drives quest for colonies (interaction, but negative) Colonial policies gradually alienate colonies from mother countries Development of new cultures based on syncretism
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