What Valuable Metal Did Spain Extract from Mexico? | The Silver Trade Explained
Discover how silver transformed Spain's economy and global trade during colonial times.
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Silver was the valuable metal that Spain extensively mined and exported from Mexico during the colonial period. The massive influx of silver significantly impacted both the Spanish economy and global trade systems of that era.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the significance of silver in colonial history? Silver played a crucial role in forming the Spanish economy and altering global trade patterns during the colonial period.
- How was silver mined in Mexico? Silver was mined extensively in Mexico using both indigenous labor and advanced European techniques introduced by the Spanish.
- What impact did the silver trade have on Spain? The massive influx of silver allowed Spain to finance its empire, but also led to inflation and economic challenges.
- Were other metals mined in colonial Mexico? While silver was the most significant, other metals like gold and copper were also mined, contributing to the wealth of Spain.