The document discusses how global trade and the exchange of goods and commodities has changed over time. It describes how spices from Asia were traded throughout Europe and Africa in the past. It also discusses how foods like tea, coffee, potatoes, sugar, tobacco, and chocolate originated in certain regions and spread worldwide through trade, becoming popular commodities. Trade routes and networks expanded over centuries as new crops and goods were introduced and consumed globally.

1. How the World Changes By Jacob Cummins

2. When Asia Was the World Economy Europeans shipped Indonesian spices via the Red and Mediterranean seas. And from Eastern Europe, Turkey, and sub-Saharan Africa came other crucial imports: gold (principally for coining money), iron, timber, and slaves both white and black.

3. The Economic Culture of Drugs Food drugs gained popularity throughout Europe. Tea and coffee gained initial favor in China and the Middle East because their caffeine contributed to the wakefulness necessary for religious rites. Eventually the French and Americans became coffee addicts.

4. Aztec Traders Trade was difficult for the Aztecs because of the land you would have to traverse and no beast of burden to help. They had intricate and extensive trade routes but ulatmietly their trade came to a stop when the Spanish arrived.

5. Potato Potatoes were important in the Andes because they would grow at extremely high altitudes The Irish also used the potato because it made large amounts of food per acre, and you only needed a few tools and no storehouse or plough animal was neccesary.

6. Sweet Revolutions Sweetness was a taste little known to mankind before the early modern period. There was really only honey to give a sweet flavor until sugar began to be extensively traded.

7. Where There's Smoke? Tobacco became popular and plantations spread across the Virginia countryside. Spanish and British sailors believed that the Indians were smoking tobacco and they picked up the habit themselves and brought it round the world within a few years.

8. Mocca Is Not Chocolate Coffee developed in Ethiopia in the 1400’s. Its development grew eventually into Europe and has now become one of the highest grossing products of all time.

9. Chocolate: From Coin to Commodity Chocolate occupied a unique position in the Aztec marketplace. It was greatly desired, but rare. When it was first made they added many spices to enhance the flavor.