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In this week’s readings the articles City Planning: Yoruba City planning (Adelusi-Adeluyi)and Potosi: A Motor of Global Change (Mangan) a common theme is given. A theme that has carried across Atlantic history quite frequently in more than one region, colony, or country. One of slave extortion, economic profit and establishment through population. Both cities saw their diverse populous come together to create a very successful commerce. One that was founded off the not only the local people but the likes of the Spanish and English as well. Potosi became founded on its immense silver deposits and ability to disperse its wealth all throughout the world. Yoruba was able to establish itself on its political oversight in creating diverse cities all throughout the regions (many which still stand today). Yoruba’s ability to adapt and expand its cities through the use of rulers and structured societies is a major reason the city flourished. With such rich natural resources it would only make sense to for slaves to be brought into the mix and labor for the profit of others, and that is exactly what happened in Potosi.
In both articles women had a prominent role within the economy. In Yoruba “women controlled many aspects of the economy” (Adelusi-Adeluyi pg.1318) and in Potosi “women soon dominated urban markets as vendors” (Mangan pg. 4). However it was the aspect of economic exploitation that allowed women to be thrust into this role. With both the regional agricultural exports of silver and cacao leaves, women had a lot more opportunities in these regions, which is similar to the roles seen for the women among Sierra Leone’s communities. So contrary to the surface may reveal, women did play quite the role throughout Atlantic history and these articles are another example and more evidence into exactly how they made an impact.
In conclusion and in agreement with my peers Enrique and Allison, Atlantic cities like Yoruba and Potosi were founded all by the means of profit. Created by profit, Sustained through profit, explored in hopes of profit and lastly and most common to Atlantic history, colonized for profit.