Silver was one of many motivators that spurred the explorations to the new Americas. Silver was found in abundance in South America and became a strong motivation for exploration. The silver trade became the first real link between the Americas and Europe. Silver fueled China and Spain's economy and became a commodity in long distance trade. The silver trade depended on the demands of global markets. Â Silver was used as currency and was highly associated with mercantilism. Silver pushed Spain to conquer more of the Central Americas. Silver was eventually devalued in China causing Spain's economy to decline and allowed other Europeans to get the upper hand in global markets. Spain used natives and African slaves to work in the Bolivian mines with an encomienda system.
The fur trade had an impressive effects on the Americas and Europe. France and the Netherlands both wanted to establish fur trading posts in the Americas. Fur was a strong motivation for exploration. Fur trade pushed European countries to look further into the Americas for fur bearing animals and people to trade with. The fur trade was driven by the demands of world markets. Fur trade ensured the protection of the Native Americans involved in fur trade and gave authority to a few Native American leaders. Fur trade also allowed for European diseases to react the Native American tribes and left Native Americans dependent on European goods. Fur trade also introduced alcohol to the tribes which caused a long-term negative effect. Starvation and depleted food resources resulted from over hunting for trade.
Both the fur and silver trade were strong motivators for exploration in the Americas. The fur and silver trade both pushed Europe to look further and compete for domination. Both had negative effects on the Native Americans. Both trades fueled European economies. Â Fur and silver trade increased both global trade and national wealth. Â Both trades exposed the Native Americans to diseases. Both trades were driven by demands of the world market.
Silver trade was mainly on Central and South America while fur trade was mainly in North America. Fur trade worked with the Native Americans while silver trade enslaved them. Silver  was used as a currency while fur was a regular good. Silver trade was mainly done by silver and fur trade was done more by France and the Netherlands. Fur trade allowed for native inhabitants to have some protection while silver trade destroyed the local population.  Silver caused Spain’s economy to decline while fur caused the Native Americans to become dependent on European goods.
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