Transatlantic Trade and Global Cultural Transfers Since 1492: More than Commodities

The arrival of new plants and consumer goods, such as sugar, tobacco, and chocolate, in the sixteenth century transformed the way people lived, leading to the formation of global markets and the establishment of early modern consumer societies. This book explores the establishment of these commodity chains from the Americas to Europe and their cultural implications.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The arrival of new plants and consumer goods, including sugar, tobacco, and chocolate, from the early sixteenth century onwards had a profound impact on the lives of people, particularly in terms of their consumption patterns. This led to the formation of global markets, which provided access to these increasingly valuable commodities, particularly in the 'Old World.' The establishment of these commodity chains, spanning from the Americas to Europe, is the focus of this book, which brings together experts from various historical disciplines to examine their cultural implications.

The introduction of these new products had a significant impact on the social and economic structures of various societies. For instance, the cultivation of sugarcane in the Americas led to the establishment of large sugar plantations, which employed thousands of workers and transformed the landscape of the region. Similarly, the introduction of tobacco and chocolate into Europe sparked a demand for these products, which led to the establishment of trade networks and the growth of urban centers.

However, the establishment of these commodity chains also had cultural implications. The exchange of goods between different regions brought together people from different cultures, which led to the spread of ideas, beliefs, and practices. For example, the introduction of coffee to Europe from the Americas led to the development of coffeehouses, which became centers of social and cultural activity.

Furthermore, the commodification of plants and goods led to the exploitation of workers and the environment. For instance, the slave trade was used to transport enslaved people from Africa to the Americas to work on sugar plantations, which had devastating consequences for the lives of those involved.

In conclusion, the arrival of new plants and consumer goods from the Americas to Europe in the early sixteenth century had a profound impact on the lives of people, particularly in terms of their consumption patterns and the formation of global markets. The establishment of these commodity chains also had cultural implications, which led to the spread of ideas, beliefs, and practices, as well as the exploitation of workers and the environment.

Weight: 417g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367784652