Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections (1450–1750)

Mercantilism

An economic theory suggesting that a nation's prosperity depends on its supply of capital, emphasizing protectionism and a favorable balance of trade.

Protectionism

The practice of shielding a country's domestic industries from foreign competition by taxing imports.

Favorable Balance of Trade

A situation where a country exports more than it imports.

Joint-Stock Companies

Businesses owned by shareholders that funded exploration and trade, sharing both risks and profits.

British East India Company

A joint-stock company focused on trade in India, particularly in cotton, tea, and spices.

Dutch East India Company

A joint-stock company that controlled trade in the Spice Islands and was known for high profitability.

Chattel Slavery

A labor system where individuals are owned as property, with hereditary and racially defined characteristics.

Indentured Servitude

Labor system where individuals worked for a contracted period in exchange for passage to the Americas.

Encomienda

A labor system in Spanish America where land grants allowed settlers to force indigenous labor under the guise of protection.

Hacienda

Large plantation estates in Spanish America that employed indigenous workers bound by debt.

Mit'a System

A coerced labor system adapted from Incan public service, corrupted by the Spanish for silver mining.

Pueblo Revolt

A Native American uprising against Spanish colonial rule in New Mexico in 1680, led by Popé.

Metacom's War

A conflict between indigenous peoples and English settlers in New England, resulting in the subjugation of the Wampanoag.

Maroon Societies

Communities of runaway slaves that maintained their independence, notably in Brazil and the Caribbean.

Queen Ana Nzinga

A powerful monarch in Angola who resisted Portuguese colonization and slave raids.

Cossack Revolts

Uprisings led by runaway serfs and skilled fighters in Russia against the Tsarist government.

Maratha Conflict

Struggles between the Hindu Marathas and the Mughal Empire, resulting in the weakening of Mughal power.

Casta System

Social hierarchy in Latin America based on race and ancestry involving various categories such as Peninsulares and Mestizos.

Peninsulares

Spaniards born in Spain who held the highest positions in colonial government and the church.

Creoles (Criollos)

Spaniards born in the Americas, often wealthy but excluded from top government positions.

Timar System

An Ottoman system where land and tax revenues were granted to soldiers in return for military service.

Millet System

Ottoman system allowing religious minorities to govern their own affairs while being treated as second-class citizens.

Queue

A distinctive braided hairstyle that men were required to wear under the Qing Dynasty, failure of which resulted in severe punishment.

Patriarchy

A social system where men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership and family life.

Global Economy (1450-1750)

A period marked by the integration of the Americas with Afro-Eurasia, with silver becoming a global currency.

Continuities (1450-1750)

Aspects of society that remained constant, such as patriarchy and the reliance on agriculture despite trade growth.