In this experience, students learn how trade and profit shaped life in the North American colonies. They explore how triangular trade and mercantilism worked together to influence colonial economies and increase wealth in Europe.
In this experience, students learn how trade and profit shaped life in the North American colonies. They explore how triangular trade and mercantilism worked together to influence colonial economies and increase wealth in Europe.
Students are introduced to key vocabulary related to colonial trade and profit, then read a short scenario about a sold-out gaming system whose resale price has sharply increased. They respond on a discussion wall explaining why resellers could charge such high prices, connecting informally to ideas of supply and demand. Students then read a brief overview that links this modern example to how European demand for materials shaped trade systems and wealth during colonization, and they review the lesson objectives while viewing an image of colonists and enslaved Africans loading tobacco for sale in Europe.
Teacher MovesPreview and reinforce key vocabulary, optionally adding import and export to support comprehension. Facilitate discussion of student wall responses, prompting students to articulate the relationship between limited supply and high demand without requiring formal economic terminology. If desired, show the Introducing Supply and Demand video to build background. Connect the opening scenario to the upcoming study of triangular trade and mercantilism, review the objectives, and briefly discuss the tobacco-loading image to foreground themes of trade, profit, and labor.
Students read an explanation of how European countries used colonies to supply raw materials in high demand and are introduced to the concept of triangular trade. They examine a map labeled “Triangular Trade” and read What Was the Triangular Trade? to understand how this system operated and generated profit. On one discussion wall, they describe the triangular trade using two to three details; on another, they explain how it allowed European traders to meet demand for raw materials and manufacture goods. Next, students learn that European powers developed mercantilism to control this trade, watch the video What is Mercantilism?, answer two multiple-choice questions about mercantilism and the Navigation Acts, and post to a discussion wall explaining how mercantilism helped European countries maximize profits from triangular trade.
Teacher MovesClarify the goals of the scene and, if time allows, consider showing The Navigation Acts video to deepen understanding of trade laws before discussion. Guide students in analyzing the triangular trade map and resource, then review exemplar wall responses that highlight how the system funneled colonial resources and wealth to Europe. Use questioning to help students infer why European powers wanted tight control over trade. After students watch the mercantilism video and answer the questions, check for understanding that colonies supplied raw materials while the mother country controlled trade and profits through laws like the Navigation Acts. Emphasize that this system was unequal and designed to keep wealth and power in European hands, preparing students for deeper analysis in the next scene.
Students read Mercantilism and Trade in the Colonial Economy to explore how mercantilism, triangular trade, and cash crops shaped colonial growth and economies, including the increasing use of enslaved Africans. On one discussion wall, they explain how triangular trade and mercantilism contributed to the colonies’ growth, using the word profit and citing one piece of evidence. On a second wall, they describe how European demand for cash crops affected the use of enslaved labor in the colonies, using the word demand and supporting their answer with evidence. After posting, students add evidence to a classmate’s response or pose a thoughtful follow-up question.
Teacher MovesFrame the reading as an opportunity to synthesize prior learning about trade systems and their effects on colonial development and labor. Monitor student posts for accurate use of profit and demand and for clear connections between economic systems, colonial growth, and the expansion of slavery. Review exemplar responses that link mercantilism and triangular trade to colonial priorities and reliance on enslaved labor, and prompt students to build on peers’ ideas through evidence-based comments and questions.
Students extend their learning by analyzing a historical political cartoon titled The Mercantilist Argument for Colonial Expansion, which illustrates views of colonial trade and the benefits to the mother country. After closely examining the image, they respond on three discussion walls: explaining how the cartoon represents the relationship between colonies and mother country under mercantilism, identifying the central message and what it suggests about why European countries wanted to control colonies, and describing visual elements that show how trade benefited the mother country more than the colonies.
Teacher MovesBefore analysis, briefly review features of political cartoons such as symbolism, labels, and exaggeration, and model close looking with guiding questions about who is shown, what actions are taking place, and what message is conveyed. After students respond, highlight exemplar answers that clearly interpret the unequal economic relationship and the flow of resources and profits from colonies to Europe. Emphasize how visual elements communicate complex ideas about control, profit, and trade, and reinforce political cartoons as valuable historical sources reflecting contemporary perspectives and arguments.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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