Continuities over Time

Between the time period of 1492 and 1750, there were several changes throughout Western Europe, Africa and the Americas. The discovery of the Americas happened and shortly after several social and economic transformations occurred as well as a few continued aspects. The amount of trade and what goods are traded changed the economy while slavery became big which impacted every country involved. These changes affected each other and caused a huge impact.

Before 1492, in Western Europe, agriculture was mainly farming and there was trade with nearby countries. At the moment there were some forced labor systems and building empires. When the Americas were discovered, the Columbian Exchanged emerged which increased trade and the trade of slaves. Soon there were several new technological advances such as the gun, and new agriculture techniques. These new advancements happened because of the discovery of the Americas. Since the Americas were discovered, by Christopher Columbus, there soon was competition throughout Europe for more trade and cheaper labor workers. Yet continuation of farming and trade were the only two qualities that remained. These two remained because of the fact it was necessary to keep farming and trading to maintain a culture. Despite this continuation, there were some advances to the two like the new agriculture techniques and the Columbian Exchange so that the two could keep up with the changes of the world. At around 1750 slavery was rather big and there was an increase in warfare. Along with slavery, there were exports of goods to South America. All of these events happened because of the continuities and changes in the economy.

The social aspect of this time period led to similar continuities and changes. In the Americas there was a large population of Native Americans before 1492. There was also a small amount of African slavery in Africa. During the time period, there was an increase of men slaves sold and a smaller population in both the Americas and Africa. The introduction of slaves to Europeans led more slaves to be brought and sold. In Africa this lead to a lower population of men, which ended up making a low population in general in Africa. Before, during and after the time period of 1492 to 1750 there was already slavery in Africa. This was a continuation because there was still the need of labor in Africa.

Therefore, between 1492 and 1750 there were