Goods at the Expense of Human Life
Natasha Anbalagan
NEW WORLD, Thus far, the riches promised by explorers of the New World are yet to be seen. However, the discoveries of new agricultural plants have taken Europe by storm. This reporter’s personal favorite has to be the discovery of the cacao bean. The Natives use this bean to create a delicious savory drink. The addition of chilies creates spicy kick at the end.
But for all the indulgences available because of the New World, there is an equal demonstration of the darker side of mankind. Although Spanish conquerors live among the natives, they still oppress them by forcing them to work in encomiendas. The natives farm, ranch, or mine for Spanish landlords. The landlords received rights to their labor through Spanish authority. The landlords promised to act fairly and respect workers. Insiders working for the Leaky Quill described horrify scenes of abuse from the landlords to the natives. In many of the dangerous mines, many of the natives were worked to death.
This makes one think; are the exquisite exports of the New World worth the abuse and mistreatment of natives? This reporter will be boycotting all delicious chocolaty drinks until further notice of fair treatment to the natives.
Natasha Anbalagan
NEW WORLD, Thus far, the riches promised by explorers of the New World are yet to be seen. However, the discoveries of new agricultural plants have taken Europe by storm. This reporter’s personal favorite has to be the discovery of the cacao bean. The Natives use this bean to create a delicious savory drink. The addition of chilies creates spicy kick at the end.
But for all the indulgences available because of the New World, there is an equal demonstration of the darker side of mankind. Although Spanish conquerors live among the natives, they still oppress them by forcing them to work in encomiendas. The natives farm, ranch, or mine for Spanish landlords. The landlords received rights to their labor through Spanish authority. The landlords promised to act fairly and respect workers. Insiders working for the Leaky Quill described horrify scenes of abuse from the landlords to the natives. In many of the dangerous mines, many of the natives were worked to death.
This makes one think; are the exquisite exports of the New World worth the abuse and mistreatment of natives? This reporter will be boycotting all delicious chocolaty drinks until further notice of fair treatment to the natives.
SPAIN JOINS THE JOINT-STOCKS
Rachael Kang
With the colonization of the New World came a new system of trade. A joint-stock system is, simply put, a large, powerful group of merchants would each invest a small amount, which would eventually add up to a larger amount, in a colony or expedition. Why would they risk losing this money? Well, it is simply because the winnings weigh more than the loss. If the risk is a success, and the colony or expedition becomes a success, those merchants who invested would receive double, maybe even triple the amount they invested. If they lost, then they would only lose as much as they put in to invest. In addition, those merchants would also own that colony, if set up, and would have complete power over what happens to, and in, that colony.
With this new system of trade, copied from the English, Spain’s hopes of prospering in the New World become greater and more within our line of sight than ever before.
OUR ECONOMY’S CRY FOR HELP
Rachael Kang
As our nation continues to prosper from the bountiful treasures found in the New World, it seems as though, behind the curtains of deceit, our country’s economy is a dying flame. Prices of goods are growing exponentially due to the growing populace demands, and with the value of the silver dropping, prices are raising even more. With silver being our most commonly used form of currency, it is crucial that we keep its value constant, as to ensure our economy’s success.
This notice is a cry for help from our economy, begging merchants to stop raising their prices, explorers to stop sending mountains of gold and silver to us (though greatly appreciated) and for people to not allow the sudden rise of the silver to become the sole purpose in their lives.
What’s up with business?
Jean Im
During the colonization of the Americas, Spain and other countries were adjusting to a new theory known as mercantilism. At the time, many colonies of the Americas needed money to suppot the continuous growth. Mercantilism was a theory stating that wealth was an important source for the survival of one’s country. In order to gain the wealth mentioned in this theory, there were two important steps to consider. The first step was to have an abundance of gold and silver, while the second mentioned the creation of a favorable balance of trade. The favorable balance of trade was a theory in which the selling of goods would be more beneficial to the country. As a result, ships used during the mercantile period were vital sources needed to send and receive goods from other countries, such as Spain. However, the transportation of gold and silver caused an increase in prices of goods, or inflation.
