How did the discovery of South America lead to the development of European colonialism? HOTS
European countries were greedy for gold and silver. It was their expectation that a heavy quantity of gold was available in South America. So, they settled in different regions. International trade and industrialisation expanded in the region. They established their rule with the help of military strength. But local people resisted it. But the Spaniards suppressed their resistance. The merchants brought a variety of products to the Europeans such as tobacco, potatoes, sugarcane, cacao and rubber. Europe also became familiar with new crops from America, notably potatoes and chillies. The merchants formed joint stock companies and sent out trading expeditions. Profit was the main objective. The newly discovered land earned huge wealth. It also gave an impetus to the revolution. Thus it can be said that the discovery of South America led to the development to European colonialism.
Suggested Q&A
History · Class 11- HistoryClass 11Go through the chapter carefully and pick out some basic features of Roman society and economy which you think make it look quite modem.
- HistoryClass 11Suppose the emperor Trajan had actually managed to conquer India and the Romans had held on to the country for several centuries. In what ways do you think India might be different today?
- HistoryClass 11Why do you think the Roman government stopped coining in silver? And which metal did it begin to use for the production of coinage?
- HistoryClass 11Imagine that you are a Roman housewife preparing a shopping list for household requirements. What would be on the list?
- HistoryClass 11Compile a list of some of the towns, cities, rivers, seas and provinces mentioned in this chapter, and then try and find them on the maps. Can you say something about any three of the items in the list you have compiled?
- HistoryClass 11If you had lived in the Roman Empire, where would you rather have lived—in the towns or in the countryside? Explain why?