2. The Atlantic System: 3 Economic Zones
Settler Colonies
Plantations
Spanish Mainland &
Mixed Farming
3. Plantations & Slavery
The Caribbean
Spanish = Santo Domingo, Cuba, Puerto Rico, …
British = Barbados, Jamaica, …
French = Guadalupe, Martinique, St. Dominque, …
4. The Plantation
SystemPlantation Definition
Large farm that grows a cash
crop to make a profit, not to
consume the goods.
Cash Crops
SUGAR, cotton, tobacco,
indigo, coffee, pineapples,
etc.
Brutal work conditions
Coerced labor (slavery then
indentured servitude).
Mostly men, few women, &
no children.
Back breaking work, year-
round.
Long hours, poor living
conditions & poor food.
Little rest & NO family life.
Beatings & harsh
6. Africa & the Atlantic
Slavery
15-20 million enslaved in
Atlantic.
Increased polygamy in Africa
as most slaves were young
men.
Deadly Atlantic crossing
Shifting Power in Africa
Europeans sold guns for slaves.
Coastal tribes that traded slaves
gained status, shifting power
center from interior.
New Foods Increase Population in
Africa
Corn & potatoes from the Americas
help increase African populations
in long term..
