Early Modern Atlantic Cities

The Atlantic World was an oceanic system that circulated goods, people, and ideas, driven by European imperialism. Cities played a crucial role in connecting these regions, facilitating transformations and becoming centers of contact, colonization, exchange, and political contestation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Atlantic World, a vast oceanic system that flourished in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century, played a pivotal role in the circulation of goods, people, and ideas. At its core, European imperialism served as the driving force, while its unique character stemmed from the complex interplay between indigenous populations from Europe, the Americas, and Africa. This oceanic system was deeply intertwined with urban life, with cities and towns becoming crucial hubs for the transformations that unfolded during the early modern era.

The Atlantic city emerged as a focal point of contact, a catalyst for colonization, a central node in networks of exchange, and a stage for political contention. These cities, situated at the crossroads of global capitalism and the growing disparities in social and racial hierarchies, operated as sites of convergence and divergence. They provided a rich tapestry of experiences, both dividing and uniting people across vast distances.

As agents of colonization, Atlantic cities facilitated the spread of European culture, technology, and institutions to new territories. They served as hubs for trade, commerce, and the exchange of ideas, fostering cultural diversity and hybridity. However, this expansion also brought about the exploitation and marginalization of indigenous populations, as well as the perpetuation of social and economic inequalities.

Cities of the Atlantic World played a significant role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the time. They facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas across the ocean, creating a interconnected world that transcended national boundaries. This connectivity facilitated the spread of diseases, the exchange of ideas, and the development of new technologies, ultimately contributing to the globalizing forces of the early modern era.

Moreover, cities of the Atlantic World were arenas for political contestation and social change. They served as centers of power, where rival empires, colonial governments, and local communities vied for control and influence. The struggles for independence, the fight for social justice, and the pursuit of economic prosperity were often played out in these urban spaces, shaping the political and social landscapes of the time.

In conclusion, the Atlantic World was a complex and dynamic oceanic system that played a pivotal role in shaping the early modern world. Its cities, as centers of contact, colonization, exchange, and political contention, were at the forefront of the transformations that occurred during this period. By sustaining the connections between disparate regions, these cities helped to create a coherent geography of analysis, providing a valuable lens through which to understand the complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the world in the early modern era.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009468060