American Exchange in Shaping the Modern World between 1500 and 1800 - Coursework Example

In what ways did the American Exchange shape the modern world between 1500 and 1800? History about early human activities in United States and other parts of the western hemisphere indicate that cross-cultural interaction and exchanges were evident in 1500-1800. The interactions between communities influenced the societal organizations as well as the community life. However, it is important to mention that cultural aspects, which lead to political organization, were in existence prior to this period. Although people showed some interaction in the earlier periods, the intensity of interaction and the mode of exchange during this period intensified. The interaction encompassed the world largest geographical region. This paper attempts to evaluate the influence American exchange to the world between 1500 and 1800. American exchange contributed in shaping the modern world various aspects. First, trade between European countries and America intensified. History reveals that minerals mined in the Americas kept the European kings and other common people interested in America (Spielvogel 56). The metals were precious and of high demand in Europe. This demand and trade interaction between these countries led to development of modern system of sea transport. Sailors from Europe established safe sea routes after navigating through the sea in search of the minerals. In addition, sugar and tobacco cultivation in America attracted European interest because they could easily get these vital commodities. The cultivation and the mining of the minerals led the Indians residing in America to work tireless towards producing this vital product for trade. While interaction in trade intensified, America developed new techniques of production especially cultivation and mining process. This did not only enable the Americas to produce sufficient products for exchange but also for local consumption. Industries in Europe relied on minerals mined from America. It is arguable that the exchange pattern developed in modern age was crucial to the existence of trade in European nation. Further, globalization stems from these earlier exchange trends. The ability of America to consume products from other countries in Europe and Asia led to industrial growth in the respective countries. For example, the Chinese cotton and silk were common commodities in America and Europe. While the consumption of foreign products by the Americans influenced development of the product’s country of origin, it is arguable that the European nations developed political interest in America. This is evident through the attempt made by Sir Francis Drake from England to circumnavigate the globe in 1570s ((Spielvogel 56). Ideally, the commercial benefit the European countries had been gaining from America pushed them into developing the colonial interests. The exchange in America influenced the building of ports in Western Europe. For instance, Chinese Canton port was critical in distribution of products from China to the European countries and the Americas. Notably, in 1720s the British government restricted the importation of silk and cotton from china because it influenced the consumption of the British woolen products (Nullens 10). The building of the world commercial centers owes its development from the exchange that took place at the global stage. Critics believe the flow of commercial products depend on the availability of market. The legislation or politics are critical in instituting exchange criteria adopted by these nations. The American exchange influenced industrial processes in the modern world. While the demand of the commercial products grew, industrialist had to devise better ways of producing products that could serve the interest of the world. For example, silk, cotton and porcelain industries grow faster because of demand of these products in Americas. Similarly, mining activities in America intensified leading to demand for labors to work in the mines. In order to meet the demand created by the in balance of the exchange processes, America admitted the Chinese to work in the mines. Further, the black slaves joined the Chinese in minefields. The tobacco and sugar plantations also received new labor force from the cheap slaves. The presence of the Chinese and the black community did not only influence the exchange processes in America but also the social aspects. For example, cultural interaction that began in America during this modern period has extended to the present time. The slaves and other settlers that settled in America introduced the cultural practices in America thereby influencing the societal system. Politics stem from the cultural backgrounds for examples, the British colony that introduced its administration system in America was critical to the production and exchange processes in the nation. The British government controlled mining fields as well as cultivation fields. Historians have noted that the presence of the colonial government influenced the nature of interaction. Before 1500, the communities did interact and share their products within a limited geographical region. The presence of the colonial masters influenced the approach taken in trading with other regions (Nullens 5). The system adopted in 1500 to 1800 involved the government influence in creating international relationship between the countries involved. For example, the governments influenced the products presented for exchange. This trend led to signing of trade treaties which could enable a given country trade with the other. American exchange influenced the architectural design of the modern world. The presence of the presence of the Asian community in America during the modern era led to the adoption of the Asian architecture. The construction of buildings in the city borrowed the Chinese architecture, which is evidence that the exchange led to borrowing of technology (Spielvogel 56). Modern era admitted the technological advancement. The foreigners that visited America during the age borrowed various practices, which they later introduced in their respective countries. Similar, the Americans accepted the new technology or advanced the same to enable it to grow. For instance, the Chinese communities, which were in, search minerals introduced new trends in mining during that period. Further, European communities that had interest in Americas systems borrowed the practices that they introduced in their respective countries. Another important contribution to the American exchange is the influence that it brought of population growth. The exchange led to immigration patterns where the whites from Europe developed interest to settle and exploit opportunity in America. Conversely, Africans settled and worked in America even though they did not intended to work or leave in America. In conclusion, American exchange led to development of strong trade ties in which European merchants could exchange products from Europe and Asia. During this period, the Americans and the nations, which had developed interest in the exchange, intensified their production ability in order to meet the demand in the market. Further, the exchange led to the borrowing of cultural beliefs as well as political practices. The exchange was also critical to the development of the commercial centers and ports. The exchange was also critical to the social cultural development. Work cited Nullens, C. H. Gilles. Old History (1500 to 1800). Web http://www.nullens.org/survey-history-native-americans/part-b-history-1500-1800/ Spielvogel, J. Jackson. Western Civilization: 1300 to 1815, Volume 1. New York: Cengage Learning. 2008. Print. Read More