Spice Trade in Indonesia in 15-16th century

November 2008. Quaker Ridge Elementary School, grade 4; collaborating teacher: Elisa Draper.

One would argue that the modern started because of the hunt for spices which, at that time, were the most expensive comodities and were only produced in Asian countries. Very few people realized that the original spice islands that Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama wanted to find are located in Indonesia. To be precise, these islands are a few tiny islands, part of the Moluccas. They were the only places in the world that produced nutmeg, cloves, and mace. This made them the hottest real estate in the world during the 15-17 century. 

In fact, New York was traded by the Dutch with one of the spice islands in Indonesia! Through this lesson, 4th grade students in Quaker Ridge learned about the spice race, and how the role of Indonesia in it. They also discussed the impacts the spice race had on the local people of Indonesia, particularly the inhabitants of the original spice islands.