Lorrain.seaport

This lesson can be used to introduce secondary school students to the economic theory of mercantilism. Depending on available time, it can be separated into two or three class sessions.

Activator

Teacher Directed Activity:

Discuss the economic theory of Mercantilism.

Explain the importance and ramifications of the Treaty of Tordesillas.

Student Directed

Learning Activity:

1. Divide students into the following groups:

a. A king in Europe

b. Members of the Catholic Clergy

c. European soldiers

d. Shopkeepers in Europe

e. Farmers in Europe/and the New World

f. Natives in New World

Have students research or use information from the teacher directed portion of the lesson to answer the following two questions:

a. What would be a benefit of mercantilism for you?

b. What do you see as a possible negative aspect to mercantilism?

2. Create a poster that visually expresses both the positive and negative aspects of mercantilism.

3. Have students read a copy of an excerpt from the Treaty of Tordesillas.

Suggested questions:

a. What was the problem that the Treaty of Tordesillas needed to solve?

b. Why would the kings of Spain and Portugal ask the Pope to help them?

c. Do you think this treaty was a satisfactory solution?

d. What problems could arise as a result of the Treaty?

4. Give students a world map and have them locate the dividing line established by the Treaty of Tordesillas. Have students shade in and label the lands that “belonged” to Spain and those that “belonged” to Portugal. (See treaty map.)

Suggested Questions:

a. What European countries were not represented in the Treaty?

b. The Catholic Church was involved in the creation of this document. Do you see any relationship between the countries involved in the Treaty and those left out of the Treaty? Why would this be done?

c. If you were the King of a country not represented on this map how would you feel and react?

Wrap Up

Assessments:

Have students create a news report for a newspaper in Portugal or Spain. The news report should be an interpretation of the treaty for the “common citizen” of Spain or Portugal.

a. Completed poster.

b. Completed map assignment and questions.

c. Completed news report.

Technorati Tags: ,,,,,,,,,