Quizlet on Global Commerce and Empire

Discussion Questions

Part 1: pp. 272-279

1. Why was Emperor Yongle’s support of voyages of Zheng He so unique for the Ming Dynasty?
2. In what ways were Zheng He’s voyages in keeping with the traditions of earlier dynasties, particularly the Tang?
3. Why did Spain and Portugal decide to take a different route to engage in trade with Asia?
4. What additional motivations did Spain and Portugal have in engaging in exploration, and how would this affect the development of future colonies?
5. What impact did the Treaty of Tordesillas have on the Americas? On the general areas of focus for both Spain and Portugal?

Part 2: pp. 279-285

1. What were the advantages and disadvantages of Spain developing a viceroyalty system in the Americas?
2. What factors were most responsible for the failure of the encomienda system? What new labor systems were put into place?
3. How was the colonial experience in the Americas different for the French, British, and Dutch (think policies, trade items, etc)?

Part 3: pp. 285-292

1. In what ways do respective absolute monarchies and constitutional monarchies have an impact on European colonies in the Americas? Which tend to have more potential for growth?
2. Which regions most benefited and suffered from the Columbian Exchange?
3. How did Pacific Ocean trade fit in with the Atlantic Circuit trade?