This week we begin looking at the origins of a global economy.  At the heart of this economy were just a few commodities (goods) that were traded over long distances and brought new peoples into contact for the first time. We also begin to consider the ways that the Atlantic Slave Trade played a central role in this new global economy.  This will be the focus of the first essay topic, so we will begin building that essay this week.  
Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Each answer should be roughly one or two paragraphs. Use examples and/or quotes from the textbook to support your answers. Type in the answers directly below each question.  Save and send the document as week 2 reading questions your last name (for example, week 2 reading questions gerlach). 
1. What were the major commodities or goods being traded in the world between 1450 and 1750?  What effect did this trade have on the people living in these lands?  How did they fit into the global economy?
2. How did the Atlantic slave trade transform African societies?