Atlantic World Social and Economic Changes (1492 – 1750)

            Much social change has taken place from 1492 leading all the way up to 1750. In each region (Western Europe, Africa, and the Americas) social change occurred diversely. The slave trade had really killed African society. How? Even though many slaves were taken from Africa, Africa was still a continent in which had a high demand for slaves. Since many slaves were taken away from their respected homes, many of the African societies began to fight so they could possibly receive a lump sum of slaves in which their economies can grow. However, this did not occur, but rather chaos just took over and left Africa in a state of distress. Meanwhile, social hierarchal positions were taking place because of the institution of new races through miscegenation. Some of these “new” races include mulattos and mestizos and other racial mixes. In other regions of the Americas much change was taking place due to the implementation of new races. Some of these other changes include, who was considered a slave and how the slave was treated. The lighter skin you had, the better you were treated, even if you were a slave. In Western Europe, much change wasn’t needed due to the new contacts into the global system of communication. However, because the economy of Europe was growing so rapidly, there was a call for a middle-class. In a nutshell, socially, Africa was destroyed, but the Americas social system changed drastically, in a positive or negative way, depending on how you look at it.

            Conclusively, the Atlantic World was a center for massive evolution. Between the years of 1492 and 1750, much social and economic change has occurred. Economic change includes the transition of the Columbian Exchange to the Slave Trade. Social change is based off the region you are referring to. African society was nearly destroyed because of the high demand for slaves but constant invasion and taking of slaves ruined it for the African societies. In the Americas, many social changes took place, such as social hierarchal movement, all because of miscegenation. And society in Western Europe remained fairly the same with minor and barely visible transformation.