World history/WHME101/Global trade/Overview

The shipyard of the Dutch East India Company in Amsterdam. Engraving by Joseph Mulder, 1726.

This learning pathway will examine European trade with the Middle East and Asia during the 1600s. It explores major trading networks and state monopolies, including the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company. It examines the variety of commodities traded, and the balance of trade. This learning pathway also considers the politics surrounding this trade, along with its economic impact.

During this learning pathway you will watch/listen to two lectures, and complete two readings on European trade.

Objectives

• Learn about major trade networks between Europe, the Middle East and Asia during the 1600s

• Understand how supply and demand operated within these networks

• Learn how the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company became dominant trading forces during this period