Atlantic History Overview PDF

Atlantic History Overview Definition: A field of history focusing on the interactions and connections between Europe, Africa, and the Americas across the Atlantic Ocean during the early modern period. Intent: To explore transatlantic exchanges in culture, economics, politic...

Atlantic History Overview Definition: A field of history focusing on the interactions and connections between Europe, Africa, and the Americas across the Atlantic Ocean during the early modern period. Intent: To explore transatlantic exchanges in culture, economics, politics, and society, emphasizing interconnectedness and mutual influence. Map of the Caribbean Understand key geographic features: major islands (e.g., Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica), colonial territories, and maritime routes central to trade and piracy. Golden Age of the Spanish Empire Origins of European Rivalries Competition over wealth, trade routes, and territories in the New World. Treaty of Tordesillas (1494): Divided the Atlantic between Spain and Portugal, sparking conflicts with other European powers. Reformation and Rivalries Martin Luther’s 95 Theses (1517): Challenged Catholic dominance, creating Protestant rivals (England, Dutch Republic). Religious conflicts fueled national rivalries and justifications for colonial competition. Three Major Strategies to Undermine Spanish Power 1. Privateering: Government-sanctioned piracy (e.g., English and Dutch privateers attacking Spanish ships). 2. Propaganda: Black Legend exaggerated Spanish cruelty in the Americas to justify intervention. 3. Direct Military Engagement: Wars like the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604). Spanish Flotilla/Fleet Organized fleet system protected treasure ships from the Americas.  Vulnerable to pirate and privateer attacks despite its strength. Golden Age of Piracy Famous Pirates Blackbeard (Edward Teach): Infamous for his fearsome reputation and blockade of Charleston (1718). Mary Read: One of the few documented female pirates, active with Calico Jack. Black Bart Roberts: Captured over 400 ships, one of the most successful pirates. Pirate Types Buccaneers: Semi-legitimate raiders targeting Spanish ships and settlements. Pirates: Independent, often illegal marauders. Privateers: Held a Letter of Marque allowing sanctioned piracy. Pirate Practices Code of Conduct: Established rules aboard pirate ships (e.g., equality in dividing plunder). Common Characteristics of Attacks: Surprise tactics, targeting unarmed merchant ships, brutality. Key Terms Letter of Marque: Authorization for privateers. Spanish Main: Mainland coastal area of Spanish territories targeted by pirates. Timeline Active Years: Peak from 1650–1730. Phase-out: Increased naval presence and treaties by the 1730s. Queen Anne’s War (1702–1713) Part of the War of Spanish Succession. Allied powers (England, Austria) vs. France and Spain. Transculturation, Race, and Identity Key Concepts Ethnicity, Race, Culture: Social constructs shaping identity and interaction. Prejudice and Discrimination: Beliefs and actions disadvantaging groups. Transculturation: The blending of different cultures through interaction. Golden Age of Revolutions Slavery and Abolition British Empire: Gradual abolition (Slavery Abolition Act, 1833). Spanish Empire: Abolition phased over decades; Cuba abolished slavery in 1886. Portuguese Empire: Slavery abolished in Brazil by the Aurea Law (1888). French Empire: Slavery abolished in Haiti during the revolution (1794). Independence Movements British Colonies: American Revolution (1776–1783). Spanish Colonies: Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín led independence. Haitian Revolution: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Dessalines, and Night of Fire (1791). Atlantic World Characteristics (1700s) Enlightenment: Focus on liberty, equality, and reason. Free Womb Laws: Gradual abolition, granting freedom to children of enslaved mothers. Major Figures: Robespierre, Lafayette, Bolívar, and Dessalines. Constitutional Comparisons Declaration of Independence (1776) vs. Constitution of Cadiz (1812): Enlightenment principles adapted to political contexts. Wars and Conflicts Seven Years War/French and Indian War (1756–1763): British victory over France in the Americas.  Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815): French-led conflicts reshaped European and colonial powers. War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714): Reshaped European alliances and colonial ambitions. Key Figures and Terms Equiano: Former enslaved person and abolitionist writer. Gens de couleur, Grand Blancs, Petit Blancs: Social hierarchy in Saint-Domingue. Night of Fire: 1791 slave revolt beginning the Haitian Revolution. Readings Overview Dunn, Greene, Rodriguez, Knight, Morgan: Analyze these authors’ perspectives on colonial systems, slavery, and cultural interactions. This guide offers a structured overview, but supplement it with lecture notes and readings to deepen understanding. 4o ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.