Trade

Explain the importance and impact of long-distance (global) trade in the late Middle Ages/early modern era. You should address trade from at least three perspectives, such as the movement of people and ideas, the spread of religion, technology, disease, economics, conquest, etc.
In addition, you should consider:
1) Who were the main players involved in this trade? (You will, of course, want to consider more than just Europe.)
2) Who were the “winners” and who were the “losers”?
3) What did the Columbian Exchange mean for world history?

Please note: I am looking for your conclusions about this topic. You have plenty of resources at your disposal to answer this question, and I strongly urge you not to consult outside sources. If your essay is simply paraphrasing an article or website, you will not receive a very high grade. I am looking for your ability to think creatively about the question and to make and support an argument. You should explain your ideas and arguments clearly and fully and you should provide support for your arguments / conclusions.
If you are using specific information or quoting from the textbook, a simple (Weisner page #) will suffice. If you are using information from supplemental materials provided, you may simply reference the name (B.W.’s Public Letter), or indirectly reference the source (“In B.W.’s Public Letter, the issue of taxes is raised…..”). If you are using an outside source (use caution about your sources), you will need to formally cite the source using MLA or Chicago Style. You should include a Sources Cited page at the end of your essay.