10. What factors caused the Columbian Exchange? 11. Describe the impact of the Columbian Exchange on the Western Hemisphere (New World)Include both positive and negative outcomes. 12. Describe the impact of the Columbian Exchange on the Eastern Hemisphere (Old World). Include both positive and negative outcomes. Topic 4.4 Maritime Empires Established 13. Describe the isolationist policies of China and Japan. Why did they enact these policies? What were the long-term outcomes?

10. **Factors Causing the Columbian Exchange:**<br /><br />The Columbian Exchange, the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas, West Africa, and the Old World in the 15th and 16th centuries, was primarily caused by:<br /><br />* **Christopher Columbus's voyages:** Columbus's "discovery" of the Americas in 1492 initiated sustained contact between the two hemispheres, paving the way for subsequent exploration, colonization, and trade.<br />* **European desire for Asian goods:** The initial impetus for exploration was the European desire to find a sea route to Asia for spices and other valuable commodities. The "discovery" of the Americas became an unexpected byproduct.<br />* **Advancements in maritime technology:** Improvements in shipbuilding, navigation (like the compass and astrolabe), and cartography enabled longer voyages and more accurate mapping, facilitating exploration and trade across the Atlantic.<br />* **Imperialism and colonization:** European powers, driven by economic and political ambitions, actively sought to establish colonies in the Americas, leading to the large-scale movement of people, resources, and goods.<br />* **Mercantilism:** This economic system encouraged nations to amass wealth through trade and colonization, further fueling the exchange of goods and resources between the hemispheres.<br /><br /><br />11. **Impact of the Columbian Exchange on the Western Hemisphere (New World):**<br /><br />**Positive:**<br /><br />* **Introduction of new crops and livestock:** Horses, cattle, pigs, and sheep transformed agriculture and transportation. New crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane diversified food sources.<br />* **Introduction of new technologies:** Metal tools, firearms, and the wheel improved efficiency in various areas.<br /><br />**Negative:**<br /><br />* **Devastating diseases:** Smallpox, measles, influenza, and other diseases decimated indigenous populations, who lacked immunity. This demographic collapse facilitated European colonization.<br />* **Forced labor and slavery:** The demand for labor in the newly established colonies led to the brutal enslavement of millions of Africans, who were forcibly transported across the Atlantic.<br />* **Environmental degradation:** Introduction of European agricultural practices and livestock led to deforestation, soil erosion, and the displacement of native flora and fauna.<br />* **Loss of indigenous cultures and languages:** European colonization and the imposition of European culture led to the suppression and loss of many indigenous languages, traditions, and ways of life.<br /><br /><br />12. **Impact of the Columbian Exchange on the Eastern Hemisphere (Old World):**<br /><br />**Positive:**<br /><br />* **New food crops:** Potatoes, tomatoes, maize (corn), beans, and other American crops revolutionized European diets and contributed to population growth. These crops also spread to other parts of the Old World, like Asia and Africa.<br />* **Increased wealth and resources:** The influx of gold, silver, and other resources from the Americas fueled European economies and contributed to the rise of mercantilism and capitalism.<br />* **Expansion of European power and influence:** The acquisition of colonies in the Americas significantly increased European global power and influence.<br /><br />**Negative:**<br /><br />* **Inflation:** The influx of silver from the Americas led to significant inflation in Europe.<br />* **Spread of diseases:** While less devastating than in the Americas, syphilis likely originated in the Americas and spread to Europe.<br />* **Increased warfare and competition:** European powers frequently clashed over control of resources and territories in the Americas.<br /><br /><br />13. **Isolationist Policies of China and Japan:**<br /><br />**China:** During the Ming and Qing dynasties, China adopted a policy of relative isolation, limiting trade and contact with the outside world. This was partly due to a belief in their own cultural superiority and a desire to protect their traditions from foreign influence. They also sought to limit the influence of European merchants and missionaries.<br /><br />**Japan:** In the 17th century, the Tokugawa shogunate implemented a strict policy of *sakoku* (closed country), virtually cutting off Japan from the outside world. This was driven by concerns about the growing influence of Christianity and European powers, which they perceived as a threat to their social and political order.<br /><br />**Long-term Outcomes:**<br /><br />* **Limited technological and economic development:** While both countries enjoyed periods of stability and internal development, their isolation limited their access to new technologies and ideas, contributing to their eventual decline relative to the rapidly industrializing West.<br />* **Vulnerability to Western imperialism:** By the 19th century, both China and Japan were forced to open their ports to Western powers, leading to unequal treaties and a period of foreign influence and exploitation. Their prior isolation left them ill-prepared to resist Western encroachment.<br />