The Atlantic world from 1492 to 1750 evolved considerably and became globalized. The concept of mercantilism was introduced and the Columbian Exchange was also introduced. Although the Columbian Exchange was about the trade of goods, it was also about the trade or migration of people. Despite these transitions, some aspects of the Atlantic world endured, such as, disease and syncretism.
One of the major changes that occurred was the beginning of mercantilism. Mercantilism is when a country takes another countries raw materials, creates manufactured goods and sells those produced goods to the country they took the raw materials from, at elevated prices. An example of this would be when the Europeans harvested sugar cane from Africa and sold it back as sugar. Another major change that occurred in the Atlantic world from 1492 to 1750 is the columbian exchange of goods and people. This trade occurred between the Americas to Europe, Africa and Asia. People would migrate from one side of the Atlantic Ocean to the other and share their culture and ideas with each other. The columbian exchange was significant due to the fact that it truly globalized the world. Unlike before, where the Europeans barely even knew where the Americas were located and knew much less about their culture
One aspects of the Atlantic world that remained consistent from 1492 to 1750 was syncretism. When slaves were moved from their homes to work in another place, whether it be in Europe or the Americas, they incorporated European culture into their own. For instance, they would dress like any other European would, but would keep their religion for their homeland. Another consistency was the existence of disease. The columbian exchange introduced many diseases into other places. For example, it brought smallpox from Europe to the Americas. However, diseases had already existed. Diseases impacted the societies greatly because they would lower down the populations significantly. The decrease in populations led to them having a weaker force when fighting against people that came from other places that were already immune to these disease.
In conclusion, the Atlantic world 1492 to 1750 changed significantly with the introduction of Mercantilism and the Columbian exchange. Although some characteristics did survive during this time period, such as disease and syncretism.
