The Commercial Revolution

							      Causes of
The American Revolution

        Part 1
In this lesson, students will be able
    to define the following terms:

   Mercantilism
   Colonies
   Mother Country
 The Commercial Revolution marked
  an important step in Europe from
local economies to a global economy.
             Mercantilism
   Mercantilism was the belief that a
    nation’s power depended on the
    ownership of gold and silver.

   In order to acquire gold and silver,
    European countries established
    overseas colonies.

   Colonies provided gold and silver.
    Mother Countries and Colonies
   Mother countries were conquerors.

   The conquered land was a colony.

   Mother countries also imported
    natural resources or raw materials
    and exported finished goods.
                   Imports



   Rice
   Indigo
   Naval Stores
   Lumber
   Rum
         British Government
   Offered subsidies to encourage new
    products
   Rice & Indigo were on the
    “enumerated” list (could only be sold
    to England)
   List not enforced on SC Rice
    (advantage for SC)
   Military was used to control and
    protect trade
     “Triangular” trade made some
continents wealthy while it impoverished
            other continents.
Who Became Rich & Powerful?
            Kings & Queens
            Risky Businessmen
            Planters

         Lost out?
          Slaves

          Natives
     Questions for Reflection:
1.   Define mercantilism.
2.   How did European nations
     increase their wealth and
     power?
3.   What was “Triangular” trade?
4.   What was the relationship
     between a mother country and
     a colony?
              Assignment
   Draw a diagram, on your paper,
    showing how mercantilism worked.
   Then, write a paragraph describing
    mercantilism and how it created
    wealth for nations.