Introduction

What led to European colonization of the Americas?What types of items were traded between people in Africa, Asia and Europe? What impact did trade have on economic development in African, European American and Asian societies? Why did the plantation system begin? What impact did slavery have on the economic development of African, European and American economies during the 15th century? These are all important questions to consider as you begin your portfolio assignment.
In this portfolio, you will investigate the impact trade had on the African, European, American and Asia economies. You will identify the causes of historical events related to to the global economy during the 15th century. You will also investigate the short and long-term economic impact slavery had on Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Directions
Step 1-Choose three continents as the focus of your portfolio assignment. NOTE-Africa has to be one of your choices.Choose two other continents from the following….
• Europe
• Africa-MANDATORY
• The Americas (North and South)
• Asia
Step 2-After choosing your three continents, answer the following questions for each of your three continents in a five paragraph essay.
• Why were your continents the target of colonization? NOTE-If you choose Europe, discuss why European nations began the practice of colonization.
• How did global trade in the 15th and 16th centuries impact the economic development of your chosen continents?
• What were some long-term effects slavery had on your chosen continents?
Step 3 (Optional)-Fill out the graphic organizer below to help organize your thoughts and information.
Questions to Answer Africa
Reasons for Colonization
Impacts of Global Trade
Long-Term Impacts of Slavery

Step 4-Start Building Your Essay
Your essay should include….
• Introductory Paragraph
• Body Paragraph #1
• Body Paragraph #2
• Body Paragraph #3
• Conclusion Paragraph
Introduction Paragraph-Your introduction paragraph should introduce your topic and include your thesis statement, You should state how colonization, slavery and global trade impacted world economies in the 15th and 16th centuries, and include a preview of what you plan to discuss in your body paragraphs. (3-5 sentences)
Body Paragraphs #1-3- Devote one paragraph for each of your chosen continents.Answer the three questions for each continent. (3-5 sentences per body paragraph)
Conclusion Paragraph-Restate your thesis and wrap up your essay. (3-5 sentences)
Step 5-Create a Works Cited page
• At the end of your essay, include a Works Cited page with a list of the sources you used.
• This must be in MLA format
Step 6-Include a Check My Work link
• When your essay is finished, run it through the Check My Work program.
• Copy and paste the Check My Work link at the end of your essay.
• Click Here to access the Check My Work instructions.
Essay Format
• 12 font, double spaced, Times New Roman
• MLA format
• Five Paragraphs
• Works Cited Page
• Check My Work link

In the 15th century, the world saw a significant increase in global trade, colonization, and the establishment of slavery. This had a profound impact on the economies of Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The causes of these historical events can be traced back to a variety of factors, including the desire for new resources, wealth, and power.

Africa was a target of colonization due to its abundance of natural resources, such as gold, ivory, and slaves. European nations saw Africa as a source of wealth and sought to exploit its resources for their own economic gain. The establishment of trade routes with Africa also played a significant role in the economic development of Europe, as it allowed for the exchange of goods and ideas between the two continents.

Global trade in the 15th and 16th centuries further impacted the economic development of Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The exchange of goods, such as spices, silk, and precious metals, led to increased wealth and economic growth in these regions. However, the transatlantic slave trade also had a devastating impact on African societies, as millions of people were forcibly taken from their homes and sold into slavery.

The long-term effects of slavery were felt not only in Africa but also in Europe and the Americas. The plantation system, which relied heavily on slave labor, was established in the Americas and led to the production of cash crops such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton. This system had a significant impact on the economic development of European and American societies, as it allowed for the accumulation of wealth and power.

In conclusion, the colonization of Africa, global trade, and the establishment of slavery had a profound impact on the economies of Africa, Europe, and the Americas during the 15th century. These events were driven by a desire for wealth, power, and resources, and had both short and long-term effects on the economic development of these regions. It is important to study and understand the impact of these historical events in order to gain a deeper understanding of the global economy.

Works Cited
- Last Name, First Name. "Title of Source." Title of Container, Other Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication Date, Location.