Seville

Definition

Seville is a city in southern Spain that became a major hub for trade and commerce during the Age of Exploration, particularly in the 16th century. Its strategic location on the Guadalquivir River facilitated the flow of goods and wealth from the New World to Europe, establishing it as a key center for trade networks and patterns of exchange during this transformative period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Seville was granted the exclusive right to trade with the Spanish colonies in the Americas by the Spanish crown in 1503, leading to immense wealth and influence.
2. The Casa de Contratación (House of Trade) was established in Seville to regulate and manage all trade with the New World, making it a critical institution for colonial commerce.
3. Seville's economy thrived on imports of silver and gold from the Americas, which significantly impacted European economies and fueled further exploration and colonization.
4. The city's architecture reflects its wealth from trade, with many buildings from this period showcasing elaborate designs influenced by Moorish and Renaissance styles.
5. Seville's dominance in trade began to decline in the late 17th century as other ports, such as Cádiz, rose to prominence and Spain's overall power waned.

Review Questions

• How did Seville's geographical location contribute to its development as a trading hub during the Age of Exploration?
  • Seville's strategic position along the Guadalquivir River allowed it to serve as an accessible port for ships arriving from the New World. This facilitated direct access to vital trade routes connecting Europe and the Americas. Additionally, its river access enabled the efficient transportation of goods inland, making Seville a pivotal point in maritime commerce during this transformative era.
• Discuss the role of the Casa de Contratación in shaping Seville's economic landscape during its peak as a trade center.
  • The Casa de Contratación was established to oversee all trade between Spain and its colonies, centralizing economic control in Seville. It regulated shipping activities, collected taxes on imports, and managed the flow of goods and people between Spain and the New World. This institution not only bolstered Seville’s economic dominance but also facilitated Spain’s expansion as a global power through effective management of colonial resources.
• Evaluate the factors that led to Seville's decline as a major trading center in the late 17th century and its implications for broader European trade dynamics.
  • Seville's decline was influenced by several factors including competition from emerging ports like Cádiz, changes in trade routes, and a decrease in Spain's maritime supremacy due to military setbacks like the defeat of the Spanish Armada. As Seville lost its monopoly on colonial trade, other regions began to rise economically, reshaping European trade dynamics. This shift allowed other nations, particularly England and France, to enhance their naval capabilities and engage more aggressively in global trade, leading to a more competitive European trading landscape.

Related terms

Spanish Armada:

A fleet sent by Spain in 1588 to invade England, which ultimately failed and marked a shift in maritime power from Spain to England.

Caravel: A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century that was used by European explorers, including those from Seville, for long voyages.

Trade Monopoly: The exclusive control over trade in certain goods or markets, which Seville held over Spanish colonial trade during its peak.