What was the impact of Spanish conquests on global trade patterns?

The Spanish conquests significantly shifted global trade patterns, leading to the establishment of the Atlantic trade system.

The Spanish conquests, particularly in the Americas, had a profound impact on global trade patterns. Prior to the conquests, the world's economic centre was largely focused on the Mediterranean and the Silk Road. However, the discovery and subsequent colonisation of the Americas by the Spanish shifted this focus towards the Atlantic. This shift was so significant that it led to the establishment of the Atlantic trade system, also known as the Triangular Trade.

The Spanish conquests led to the extraction of vast amounts of precious metals, particularly silver, from the Americas. This silver was then transported back to Spain, making the country one of the wealthiest in Europe. The influx of silver into the European economy had a significant impact on global trade. It led to a period of inflation, known as the 'Price Revolution', which affected economies across Europe. The silver also flowed into the global economy, particularly into China via the Manila Galleons, which further integrated the world economy.

Furthermore, the Spanish conquests led to the Columbian Exchange, a widespread exchange of animals, plants, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the American and Afro-Eurasian hemispheres. This had a profound impact on global trade patterns. New World crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, and maize became staples in the Old World, while Old World crops such as wheat, rice, and sugarcane were introduced to the New World. This exchange of goods and ideas led to increased global connectivity and interdependence.

The Spanish conquests also led to the establishment of colonies and the creation of colonial trade networks. These networks were controlled by the Spanish Crown, which imposed strict trade regulations. This led to the development of a system of mercantilism, where the colonies were seen as sources of raw materials and markets for manufactured goods. This system further shaped global trade patterns, as it led to increased competition between European powers for control of trade routes and colonies.

In conclusion, the Spanish conquests had a profound impact on global trade patterns. They led to the establishment of the Atlantic trade system, the extraction and global flow of silver, the Columbian Exchange, and the development of mercantilism.