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aug 30, 1804 - Europe Gains Chocolate and Tobacco

Description:

In the 1590s, chocolate and tobacco become highly sough-after commodities in the country of Europe. Before this decade, these two goods were of little importance to the Europeans, mostly because they were not aware of the specific characteristics that gave these material goods such high value. According to Marcy Norton and her "Sacred Gifts, Profound Pleasures" book, the introduction of these goods is sometimes described as "a consequence of their 'medicalization'". These goods, at the time, were sometimes considered intoxicants because of the harmful substances they were made with. However, that did not stop people from having such a high demand for them. Using their knowledge, the Europeans shared these goods with countries in the New World, such as New Spain, Guatemala, and the Caribbean. This event is another contributor to the shaping of our material goods during the Early Modern times, as well as a contributor to the firm foundation for the food we eat today.

Added to timeline:

Date:

aug 30, 1804
Now
~ 221 years ago