Category: Columbian Exchange

The Columbian Exchange, a pivotal event ignited by Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the Americas, stands as a double-edged sword that has shaped the course of history in complex and profound ways. The question of whether the Columbian Exchange was ultimately good or bad defies a one-dimensional answer—it demands an exploration of both its beneficial contributions and its detrimental consequences. In this persuasive essay, we will delve into the multifaceted impacts of the Columbian Exchange to better understand the balance between its merits and its drawbacks.

The Good

1. Culinary and Agricultural Revolution

The Columbian Exchange revolutionized the world’s culinary and agricultural landscape. The exchange of crops such as maize, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers enriched diets on both sides of the Atlantic. These crops provided vital nutrients, leading to better health and increased agricultural productivity. The influx of new food sources mitigated famines and improved the overall quality of life for many populations.

2. Global Economic Integration

The exchange of resources, precious metals, and spices led to an unprecedented era of global economic integration. The newfound wealth from the Americas fueled trade networks that connected distant corners of the world. This economic growth facilitated technological advancements, artistry, and intellectual exchange, contributing to the Renaissance and shaping the modern global economy.

3. Cultural Diversity and Exchange

The Columbian Exchange fostered a cultural dialogue that transcended geographical boundaries. The interchange of languages, religions, art, and traditions enriched societies on a global scale. This cultural fusion encouraged the evolution of new ideas, literature, and artistic expressions, ultimately contributing to the diversity that characterizes the world today.

The Bad

1. Epidemic Devastation

Perhaps the most tragic consequence of the Columbian Exchange was the introduction of deadly diseases to indigenous populations in the Americas. Diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza, carried by European settlers, wreaked havoc on communities lacking immunity. These diseases decimated entire populations, leading to widespread death, societal disruption, and the loss of cultural heritage.

2. Ecological Disruption

The transfer of species between continents had profound ecological consequences. The introduction of new plants and animals led to ecological imbalances, with invasive species displacing native flora and fauna. These disruptions cascaded through ecosystems, altering habitats and threatening biodiversity on a global scale.

3. Social Inequality and Exploitation

The Columbian Exchange also entrenched systems of social inequality and exploitation. The demand for labor to cultivate cash crops like sugar and tobacco drove the expansion of the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved Africans were subjected to unimaginable suffering, leaving a legacy of systemic oppression that continues to reverberate through modern societies.

Persuasive Argument

In assessing the overall impact of the Columbian Exchange, it is essential to recognize that the scales of benefit and detriment are intricately intertwined. While the exchange brought about advancements in agriculture, trade, and cultural exchange, these benefits were inextricably linked to the tragic consequences of disease, ecological disruption, and social injustice. Therefore, the question of whether the Columbian Exchange was good or bad is less about arriving at a definitive answer and more about understanding its complex nuances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Columbian Exchange is a paradox that forces us to confront the dual nature of human history—a history marked by both progress and pain. The dichotomy of its impact defies simple categorizations of good or bad. The Columbian Exchange reshaped societies, economies, and ecosystems in ways that are still felt today. It serves as a reminder that history is a tapestry woven with threads of both triumph and tragedy, a testament to the interplay between human agency and unforeseen consequences.

The legacy of the Columbian Exchange is a call to reflect on the complexities of our actions and the ethical dimensions of historical events. Rather than seeking a definitive verdict on whether it was good or bad, let us acknowledge the intricate web of cause and effect that has shaped our world. By doing so, we honor the experiences of those who lived through this transformative era and strive to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

The Columbian Exchange stands as a pivotal chapter in human history, a narrative of interconnectedness that transcended oceans and continents. This essay unravels the significance of the Columbian Exchange, exploring its profound impact on societies, economies, cultures, and ecosystems, and its enduring legacy in shaping the modern world.

Introduction: An Unprecedented Encounter

In the late 15th century, Christopher Columbus embarked on a daring voyage that would forever change the course of history. As his ships reached the shores of the Americas, an encounter of unprecedented significance unfolded—a moment that would usher in an era of exchange, transformation, and interconnectedness.

A Tapestry of Exchange

The significance of the Columbian Exchange is woven through the intricate tapestry of intercontinental exchange. Goods, ideas, and cultures that had remained isolated for millennia began to traverse the oceans, defying geographical boundaries. The Old World and the New World engaged in a dance of commodities—potatoes and tomatoes from the Americas revitalized European diets, while wheat and sugar from Europe found fertile soil in the Americas.

This exchange marked a turning point in the development of global trade networks, laying the groundwork for the emergence of a world economy that transcended geographic constraints.

Cultural Fusion and Identity Transformation

As goods flowed, so did cultures and ideas, blending and reshaping identities on both sides of the Atlantic. Indigenous peoples in the Americas encountered European languages, religions, and technologies, while Europeans were introduced to indigenous knowledge, art, and diverse ways of life.

The significance of this cultural fusion lies not only in its immediate impact but also in its lasting legacy. It paved the way for a globalized world that continues to grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and cultural exchange.

Economic Transformations

The significance of the Columbian Exchange is mirrored in its profound economic implications. The influx of precious metals from the Americas fueled European economies and financed exploration and colonization endeavors. Luxury goods like spices and silk traversed continents, altering consumption patterns and triggering a shift in global economic power.

The economic ripples of the Columbian Exchange reached far beyond the immediate exchange of goods. They contributed to the rise of capitalism, the expansion of trade routes, and the creation of a new economic order that would shape the world for centuries to come.

Environmental Reshaping

However, the significance of the Columbian Exchange also extends to the environment, a reminder of the intricate relationship between human actions and ecological systems. The introduction of non-native species led to ecological imbalances, disrupting ecosystems and challenging the resilience of native flora and fauna.

As landscapes transformed and ecosystems adapted, the Columbian Exchange underscored the enduring impact of human activities on the natural world, a lesson that resonates profoundly in the context of today’s environmental challenges.

Health and Demographic Shifts

One of the most significant and somber aspects of the Columbian Exchange lies in the realm of health. The introduction of diseases from Europe to the Americas resulted in widespread epidemics that devastated indigenous populations. The demographic shifts caused by disease altered social structures, reshaped power dynamics, and left a haunting legacy that continues to reverberate in the narratives of indigenous communities.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Global Transformation

The significance of the Columbian Exchange cannot be overstated. It is a narrative of connection, disruption, transformation, and complexity that reverberates through the annals of history. The exchange left an indelible mark on societies, economies, cultures, and ecosystems, shaping the modern world in ways that continue to influence our lives.

As we reflect on the significance of the Columbian Exchange, we are confronted with the profound ways in which human actions, decisions, and encounters can shape the trajectory of civilizations. The Columbian Exchange is not merely a chapter in history—it is a reminder of the intricate interplay between past, present, and future, and the enduring significance of our shared global story.

The Columbian Exchange and the Silk Road Trade are two pivotal episodes in history that facilitated the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas across continents. While separated by time and geography, these networks share remarkable similarities and differences in terms of their impact on societies, the types of commodities traded, and their role in shaping global history. This comparative essay delves into the commonalities and distinctions between the Columbian Exchange and Silk Road Trade, shedding light on their transformative influence on the world.

Thesis Statement

Although the Columbian Exchange and Silk Road Trade occurred in different eras and facilitated the exchange of distinct commodities, both networks played vital roles in connecting civilizations, shaping cultural landscapes, and contributing to the rise of global interdependence.

Global Connectivity

Both the Columbian Exchange and Silk Road Trade were instrumental in fostering global connectivity, albeit during different periods. The Silk Road, spanning from ancient China to the Mediterranean, established extensive trade routes that connected diverse civilizations, including China, India, Persia, and Europe. The Columbian Exchange, initiated by Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the Americas, similarly connected the Old World with the New World, marking the beginning of an era of transatlantic exchange.

Commodity Exchange

While the types of commodities exchanged in these networks differed, they both had profound impacts on the societies involved. The Silk Road facilitated the exchange of luxury goods such as silk, spices, precious metals, and ceramics, enabling the spread of exotic products across continents. These commodities not only enriched cultures but also laid the groundwork for the development of a global economy.

Conversely, the Columbian Exchange introduced a wide range of goods, including crops, animals, and diseases, that transformed both hemispheres. The exchange of crops such as potatoes, maize, and tomatoes from the New World revolutionized Old World agriculture and diets. The introduction of livestock, such as horses and cattle, also had far-reaching consequences on labor systems and cultural practices. However, the exchange of diseases like smallpox had devastating consequences on indigenous populations, highlighting the darker side of this intercontinental interaction.

Cultural Exchange and Diffusion

Both networks facilitated cultural exchange and the diffusion of ideas across diverse civilizations. The Silk Road facilitated the spread of religions, philosophies, and artistic styles. Buddhism, for instance, traveled along the Silk Road, leaving its mark on various regions it touched. The exchange of knowledge and ideas influenced the development of civilizations and contributed to the enrichment of cultural heritage.

Similarly, the Columbian Exchange resulted in a blend of cultures as indigenous peoples in the Americas interacted with European explorers. This exchange introduced new foods, languages, and belief systems to both continents. While the impact was not always positive, as evidenced by the effects of disease on indigenous populations, it nonetheless contributed to the emergence of a global culture shaped by the fusion of Old and New World elements.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of the two networks diverges significantly. The Silk Road’s emphasis on luxury goods had relatively limited ecological consequences. However, the Columbian Exchange brought about profound ecological disruptions due to the introduction of non-native species and agricultural practices. The exchange of animals and plants between continents led to ecological imbalances, altering landscapes and habitats.

Conclusion

The Columbian Exchange and Silk Road Trade, despite their differences in time, geography, and commodities exchanged, share remarkable commonalities in their roles as agents of global connectivity, cultural exchange, and economic transformation. The Silk Road facilitated the spread of luxury goods and ideas across ancient civilizations, while the Columbian Exchange revolutionized agriculture, diets, and cultural landscapes in both hemispheres.

Ultimately, both networks played pivotal roles in shaping the course of history, illustrating the enduring human quest for connection, trade, and shared knowledge. As we reflect on the parallels between the Columbian Exchange and Silk Road Trade, we gain insights into the profound impact of intercontinental exchange on the development of societies and the complex web of connections that have shaped our world.

Looking back on world’s history, the 1500s were a major turning point. Civilizations in this century played a huge role in shaping the world to be what it is right now. Cultures of the Ming Empire, Ottomans and Europeans led to ascend of the predominant world cultures preceding to 1500. Even though their accomplishments weren’t permanent, it still made a huge impact. The “European Miracle” was one of Europe’s greatest peaks in its history.

In premodern times, no other civilization was more advanced than that of China. China had a substantial population, 100-130 million, which became an advantage since more people could join the army and work the fertile soil and irrigated plains that Ming China possessed. This civilization seemed more superior due to the fact that their administration was united and ran by a well-educated Confucian bureaucracy (Kennedy, 5). One of Ming China’s most distinctive features was its technological intelligence. The Ming Empire had a grand canal system, which stimulated trade and industry, resulting in printing by movable type. Paper money then started to make an appearance. Paper money started to build markets and by the eleventh century, there was an enormous iron industry in North China. In addition, the Chinese focused on overseas exploration and trade. The magnetic compass was one of China’s inventions, still used to this day. In the 1260s, Kublai Khan was determined to have his own fleet of ships. By 1420, the Ming navy was documented to have had 1,350 combat vessels, including 400 floating fortresses and 250 ships used for long-range cruising (Kennedy, 6). Although this fleet sounds massive, it did not include the many private vessels that were already trading with Korea, Japna, Southeast Asia, and East Africa.

Despite the fact that China seemed to be one of the most powerful civilizations, its glory didn’t last forever. An imperial edict outlawed seagoing ships and forbade the presence of ships with more than two masts. Within a century, the Chinese coastline and cities along the Yangtze River were being attacked by Japanese pirates. Even with these attacks, there was no rebuilding of the navy. Furthermore, a key factor in China’s decline was the sheer conservatism of the Confucian bureaucracy (Kennedy, 7). According to Confucian code, warfare and violence would only be taken into action under barbarian attacks. In addition, Ming China’s canals started to decay, their army was starved of new equipment, and the art of ironworks began to be disused. Scholars were only allowed to use printers, resulting in paper money being discontinued (Kennedy, 7). In consequence, China became less dynamic and began to decrease economically, as well.

The Mugal Empire encouraged many artistic achievements. There were many causes that led to the deterioration of the Mugal Empire. Indian traditions restricted modernization because they were not allowed to kill insects and rodents, leading to unsanitary conditions, resulting in plagues breaking out. Famine and floods also contributed.

Another civilization that led to the rise of the dominant world cultures prior to the 1500s was the lifestyle of the Ottomans. The Ottomans were supported by the taxes that were put on the peasants and merchants (Kennedy, 14). Towns and population was increasing, cash payments were being used, and importantly, there was a nationwide peace, which was excellent for trade (Kennedy, 15). This Ottomans empire advanced to become one of the most powerful empires. It was highly centralized and was run by an education system. Also, the power wasn’t divided between rival forces, it was always under one single person. The Ottomans had a strong military, using the development of gunpowder resourcefully. However the Ottomans were unable to keep up with the rest of the empires around them – they didn’t feel the need to change (Kennedy, 16). Additionally, the Ottomans began to scorn trade, and prevented trade. They were prohibited to reveal their weapons unless on ceremonies.

The European Miracle brought revolutionary changes that were essential to the development of modern civilization. Trading was more successful and widespread due to the geography, which opened up the Columbian Exchange, making the transport of animals and goods more widespread (Kennedy, 18). Also, cultural diffusion took place, taking a big toll on civilizations that were using this trade route. Europe underground unsupervised growth, meaning that the financial developments couldn’t be restrained. Europeans began to be dependent on the market recession, leading to increased profits (Kennedy, 19). Due to these profits, Europe began to advance their scientific technologies. The telescope, compass, and barometer began to make appearances here and there. The New World also created more jobs for people to work, driving the population from all over the place to come to this civilization that seems to be thriving.

The elements that had an affect on this miracle was geography, military, and technology. Europe’s geography was much more fractured, which made it difficult to keep a unified control, but reduced the likelihood of the continent being overrun by an outside force. Since Europe was split all over the place, different climates led to different goods being produced, which led to a variety of transported goods, making Europe more economical (Kennedy, 18). Due to the new military techniques, European countries were able to acquire military superiority, having no single power be consumed by a decisive edge. Seeing that there was no one center for the production of crossbows and cannons, it became harder for countries to dominate maritime power, which resulted in a positive outcome of preventing conquest and expulsion of rival centers. Europe’s technological advances was innovative. Europe improved the design and make of the cannon so it would fit on ships and lower the expenses of the war (Kennedy, 22). As a result of the cannon being more progressive, it impacted expansion and trade by encouraging artisans and inventors to improve their ways, which then lead to experiments with gunpowder. It enhanced the amount of power and mobility of weapons (Kennedy, 24). Cannons impacted the design of naval vessels in causing them to be steadily improved in ships’ ammunition.

In the final analysis, it can be concluded that many different civilizations benefited the New World, whether it be economically, socially or geographically. But with rise comes a fall, and looking back on the world’s past events, it can be seen how Eastern powers declined and rose after 1500. The European Miracle changed many countries and how it would be run in the future. Due to the Columbian Exchange, nations were getting goods from other nations that were across the world.

Throughout history, globalization has had its positive and negative impacts on societies and the environments they live in. It began when Christopher Columbus discovered the New World. Determining whether the effects of globalization made it a positive force was difficult. There was a negative side to every argument, but the positive effects outweigh the negative by a long shot. Factors such as education, the Columbian Exchange, expanding territories, disease treatments, animal populations, and overall environmental impact are what prove that globalization was a positive force.

Before Christopher Columbus sailed the Atlantic Ocean, discovering the New World continents were mostly solitary. As the isolation deteriorated in Europe, Asia, and North Africa Europeans, thinking their way of life was preferable, would attempt to change the way of life for the people on those continents. As Alfred Crosby states those attempts failed, “It is really not surprising that Europeans failed to Europeanize Asia and tropical Africa.” As Europeans start expanding into the Americas, they discover it’s much easier to influence, and conquer, the natives. This is partially due to the effect of new diseases being introduced. “Disease as able to reach such tragic proportions in the Americas supposedly because it took root in the “virgin soil” of a population that had no prior exposure to Europe’s epidemics”. Once Europeans settled into an area, they’d begin Europeanizing and educating the natives.

The Columbian exchange played a big part in global expansion. It helped to spread crops, livestock, and merchandise that would otherwise be exclusive to their native countries. Old World diseases such as the bubonic plague, smallpox, influenza and others were brought to the New World by European settlers. While the infection, and probable death, of thousands of natives is not a nice thought, it was a positive force when seen through the eyes of the invaders. Europeans unknowingly used biological warfare in their efforts to expand to the Americas. In Spanish conquests, “The disease (Smallpox) exterminated a large fraction of the Aztecs and cleared a path for the aliens to the heart of Tenochtitlan and to the founding of New Spain”.

The people of the past know better than anyone how destructive diseases can be. While usually applied to physics, Newton’s Third Law, every action has an equal and opposite reaction, applies to diseases. It was spread and millions of people were killed by them, but they forced medical researchers to take a closer look at how they worked. For thousands of years people believed that diseases had supernatural origins. According to Aberth, Hebrews and Greeks alike believed that disease came from God and that it served as a punishment or test for humans. but when researched further, it’s determined that disease is not caused by God, but by germs. After learning this information researchers were able to start looking for ways to prevent, treat, and cure diseases. By the 20th century medical discoveries were easily spread across the globe. An example: the discovery of penicillin.

Smallpox while deadly in most cases, was one of the most valuable diseases in human history. The first ever public vaccine was demonstrated because of Smallpox. Referring to Dr. Edward Jenner’s vaccination of James Phipps in May of 1796; John Aberth explains, “This was by no means the first recorded vaccination, but it was the most influential”. Before Jenner’s Smallpox vaccine doctors used a similar method, called inoculation, to help patients build immunity to diseases. In the process of inoculation, a weakened form of a virus is introduced to a patient which causes a mild case of the disease in order to create immunity.

Globalization had a colossal impact on many animal species throughout the world. Without it horses would have stayed extinct in the Americas. About 9,000 years ago horses were extinct in the Americas, and only returned when Columbus brought several to Espanola in 1493. Easter Island is a small island and despite its size, “66 square miles”, had many small forests. It lacked a lot of the fauna present in the rest of Polynesia, and the few species native to the area were only available to the settlers due to the dramatic drop, and eventual disappearance, of their populations. Polynesian settlers brought over domesticated chickens, which served as their sole livestock source; since the island didn’t have any.

In the short history of humans there have been many events that have impacted the environment in some way. Many people say these events primarily negatively impacted the environment. During the Industrial Revolution people observed the disappearance of white Peppered Moths and an increase in black ones. They quickly attributed the color change to increased air pollution from factories. Without the negative of air pollution, we might have never discovered reversible color polyphenism.

Globalization is the reason that humans live the way they do today. History shows that it was a huge positive force on the world. Dr. Jenner’s Smallpox vaccine was a game changer, once the first one was created, many vaccines followed; of course, it took time to develop them, but the variety we have available to us today helps save millions of lives. The Columbian Exchange resulted in the spread of crops, livestock and merchandise, that otherwise wouldn’t be available. While expanding territories, Europeans would educate the native people; bringing people of different cultures together. Before the beginning of globalization, there were many extinct animals that had a revival of their populations because of imported animals. Globalization has played a big part in the awareness of humans’ environmental impact. When focusing on the big picture of life, it’s been proved repeatedly, globalization has been a positive force throughout history.

Bibliography:

1. Aberth, John. 2011. Plagues in World History. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
2. Crosby, Alfred W. 2015. Ecological Imperialism the Biological Expansion of Europe, 900-1900. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
3. Diamond, Jared. 2011. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. New York: Penguin Books.
4. Merriam-Webster. “Dictionary by Merriam-Webster: America’s Most-Trusted Online Dictionary.” n.d. Accessed October 8, 2019. https://www.merriam-webster.com/.

Following major events such as the Columbian Exchange in the 14th century, population levels fluctuated tremendously due to diseases, resource availability, and colonialism. During the Columbian Exchange, there was an increase of meat available than ever before; this rise in meat per man in the region triggered migrations from other parts of the world which resulted in a major population growth when the Europeans colonized America (Crosby, 1972). The rate of people migrating toward the Americas created more underdeveloped countries as they and their resources were left behind. This phenomenon of intrinsic and flourishing industrial growth versus the stagnating underdevelopment in countries was brought forth by the modernization theory. This theory attempts to explain that countries are in ever-changing stages (Rostow’s Stages) and are dynamic in terms of their economic states, meaning that underdevelopment is only a stage that a country goes through. Furthermore, if an underdeveloped country is only going through a stage, advocates of this theory suggest that the underdeveloped country is doing themselves a disservice and they shall be blamed for the reason they were undeveloped in the first place and have not progressed to the later stages; this can range from reasons such as culturalism and how personal virtues may interpose against the notion of a global industrialism which the modernization theory ultimately ignores (Rostow’s 1st Stage – Traditional Society).

The theory’s solution to underdevelopment is to set aside traditional values (such as manual labor) and be open minded into increasing productivity in the country (e.g making new inventions and new materials); this can create entirely new markets which improves trade potential and job opportunities of that country (Rostow’s 2nd Stage – Takeoff). Prominent authors of the modernization theory include Walt Rostow, who coined the five stages a country goes through in terms of economic growth. In my opinion, an advantage of this theory is that sometimes it is a good thing to put yourself at blame if you’re living in an underdeveloped country. Although this sounds discouraging, some people like myself may actually use this thought to inspire action rather than having that “Oh well, this is not in our control” mindset. The major disadvantage of this theory is that it views tradition as a barrier that must be overcome, rather than something that people may keep but still be able to progress in the economy. Living in a very traditionalist family, I have seen my parents keep culture into consideration but also utilize it to build businesses, and acquire new jobs that weren’t in the “traditional society’s” norm.

The dependency theory was made as a refinement to the modernization theory. Prominent authors include Raul Prebisch, who posed a solution stating that underdeveloped countries need to limit their dependency on bigger developed countries. The major takeaway from the dependency theory is that wealth is not circulated evenly, given a cycle of richer countries depending on poorer (peripheral) countries in order to generate their wealth. An advantage that can be seen with this is that peripheral countries are independent in terms of their economic development, rather than the traditional societies from the modernization theory being flawed and dependent on finding advancement. The disadvantages lie in which if a peripheral country is being depended on by a rich country for economic development: the peripheral country is already poor and lacks resources, so using even more for their own development is counterproductive as it may generate owed debt to the richer countries. In broader perspective, dependency theory attacks the notion of capitalism and blames it on its dualistically skewed economy, while the modernization theory supports capitalism and its ways up of a marginally upward economy.

The expeditions held by Christopher Columbus were able to change the world as we know it. The Columbian Exchange was able to give rise to “an interacting Atlantic world that permanently connected Europe, Africa and North and South America”. Intended at first to find a shorter route to Asia through the sea, Columbus had accidentally stumbled upon new lands inhabited by the natives. When people think of the discovery of the Americas, they only focus on the interactions and the impact it had on its own lands; however, there is more to it than this. For example, this discovery was able to contribute to the world in forms of objects and helping economies grow in time. On the other hand, other countries were negatively impacted, especially when it came to slavery. This paper states and argues the global and significant impact of the Discovery of The Americas, and how the bringing of religion, silver, slavery, and the Fur Trade help change the course in history.

The new lands discovered by Christopher Columbus and other explorers gave the opportunity for other great countries, mostly Europe, to conquer and colonize these lands. Some of the ideas that were spread had to do with religion. It was during the time of the Age of Exploration that many missionaries wanted to spread Christianity and Protestantism. In Latin America, the Spaniards took over Tenochtitlan, defeating the great Aztec Empire as well as the Incas in the south. By 1700 or earlier, many of the natives had decided to convert to Christianity, “after all, other conquerors such as the Aztecs and the Incas had always imposed their Gods in some fashion on defeated peoples”.

For women, there was a different outcome. Even though there were some saints who were women, they had no important roles in the church besides the Convent. Meanwhile, in North America, there was a different goal set aside by the Puritans; they had focused more on education and personal relationships with the faith. Latin America was heavily influenced by Christianity and there is no doubt that without the addition of North and South America, Christianity would not have been the world’s largest religion.

One of the most important items in the discovery of the Americas was silver; this metal was able to transform China and give rise to the global network exchange that extended across the globe. It was first discovered in modern-day Bolivia. During the late 1500s and early 1600s, most of the silver from South America ended up in China, later to be known as “The Silver Drain”. Silver had become so valuable that following its discovery, the Chinese Government required all of its population to pay taxes only in silver. Historians suggest that “China’s role in the silver trade is a useful reminder of Asian centrality in the world economy of the early modern era”. The Chinese population “increasingly operating within a silver-based economy, fueled global commerce, vastly increasing the number of goods exchanged and the geographic range of world trade”. Across the world in Spain, they had developed a silver coin that was used in India, Russia and West Africa; it was called a “piece of eight”. Silver was later discovered in Japan, helping military dictators or shoguns unite the country by overcoming the lords who had turned against them. Not only did silver gain a remarkable reputation as a form of currency, but it also helped countries such as Japan unite and increase the economy in China. In my opinion, without the discovery of the Americas and its silver, China and Japan would have most likely taken a different path.

In addition to silver, the Fur Trade was also significant on a global scale, providing fur to Europeans as well as Siberia and soon becoming a competitive trade. It was at this time that “the silver trade intersected with the fur trade, as Europeans paid for Russian furs largely with American gold and silver” Animals such as rabbit, beavers, and marten were the most common to be used and by 1500, diminished their population. Miantonomo, a chief of the Narragansett Tribe stated that “since these Englishmen have seized our country, they have cut down the grass and trees (…) and finally we shall all starve to death”. On another note, it was the Native Americans who did the hunting with the exception of some Europeans and Siberians. Most of the time, they would wait on the coast and then export them to Asia and Europe, as these countries possessed colder climates. Prices had become higher once fur-bearing animals had become so scarce; it also caused small wars between the French and English, making the Natives choose sides. Some people may say that the Fur Trade in North America had little impact during this time. However, it was the addition of the fur in North America that helped provide more supply to colder countries as well as connect other countries with Americas gold and silver.

With the discovery of the Americas came new and bigger societies. Having bigger and new societies meant that there was more labor to be done, whether it was being a butcher, dressmaker or even a slave. I would like to argue that slavery was one of the most important components in the global network exchange connecting powerful empires. Roughly 10.7 million slaves were transported from African societies to the Americas between the sixteenth and nineteenth century through the Transatlantic Slave System. Even though it benefited the new world in many ways, the Europeans and African Elite were able to gain profit from slavery since they were the ones transporting and selling slaves. Many assume that it was the Europeans capturing slaves, however, it was mostly the African elite who enforced the selling of slaves. African merchants and politicians traded them in exchange for “European and Indian Textiles, metal goods, tobacco, alcohol, etc”. The most important of all were the Cowrie Shells from the Indian Ocean, which was used in West Africa as a form of currency. Consequently, slavery left a big impact on African Societies, for example, corruption and unbalanced sex ratios. Women had benefited the most from the difference in male to female ratios, for “the slave trade provided opportunities to excise power and accumulate wealth” as well as “operating their own trading empires, employing large numbers of female slaves, and acquiring elaborate houses”. In the end, slavery was able to change African Societies as well as provide a working force in the Americas.

Furthermore, contributions made by other countries can be seen throughout the history of the Western Hemisphere. One main object was contributed by China: gunpowder. Gunpowder was able to be transported throughout the different trade routes connecting Europe and China. It was only then that Europe was able to bring gunpowder to the Americas. Other well-known items included the different kinds of spices deriving from the Arabian Peninsula, which consisted of Africa, India and Asia. Some of these spices were pepper, ginger, and cinnamon “which were widely used as condiments, preservatives, medicines, and aphrodisiacs”. Most of the spices were brought to the new world through the Columbian Exchange in the late fifteenth century.

These are just some of the products that were transported. Whether it was physically or through a third party, mainly all of the countries at the time were able to leave its mark in the Western Hemisphere changing the course of the Americas. So, what was the Global Significance of the discovery of the Americas? Every country had the opportunity to leave something behind in the newly discovered lands, whether it was physically or through a third-party. As this paper states, there were many contributions that helped and in some cases left unfavorable outcomes for some. As a result, the discovery of the Americas was a major turning point in history, for it gave the opportunity to contribute, change, explore, as well as learn from each others culture.

Bibliography:

1. Strayer, R., and Nelson E. ​Ways of the World – a Brief Global History, Value Edition Thinking through Sources for Ways of the World, Volume 2​. Bedford Books St. Martin’s, 2018.
2. Strayer, R. W., and Nelson E. ​Ways of the World: A Brief Global History with Sources; Volume 2: Since the Fifteenth Century​. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
3. Sylvester, H. ​Indian Wars of New England. ​Cleveland, 1910.

Diffusion of technology facilitated changes in patterns of trade and travel by making it easier (and more effective) to move from place to place. For example, a traveling by caravel (a Spanish or Portuguese sailing ship of the 15th to 17th centuries) was fast, and it was also small, which aided in its fast travel.

One example is Columbus’ Nina and the Pinta. The carrack, a sailing ship of 14th-15th centuries usually built with three masts, was cheap and easy to operate as a merchant vessel. They were commonly used by ocean-going explorers such as Prince Henry, James Cook, Ferdinand Magellan, etc. Most famous example has to be Columbus’ Santa maria. The fluyt was a favored vessel of Dutch East India Company (VOC) – a trade company which made huge profits – and was one of first ocean-going ships made for commerce. It was significant in rise of Dutch seaborne empire (many goods shipped). Magnetic compasses and astrolabes are navigational technologies from Asia that diffused widely throughout Indian Ocean basin and greatly aided in trade in travel during this time period. As for regional wind and currents patterns, European mariners were able to gather information about them which facilitated trade and travel. These wind patterns differed based on season, region, and distance from equator. However, these wind patterns are common in the sense that “wind wheels” are created (both north and south of equator).

States played major role in the expansion of maritime empires from 1450 to 1750 as they sponsored exploration and had lax regulations. Additionally, Seven Years’ War had a significant impact in this time period (which is to be discussed). Global trading patterns strengthened some of these states, and more connections began to form with increased interactions. Sponsored exploration was common among states. One of the most common examples would be Christopher Columbus’ voyages, which were sponsored greatly by Fernando and Isabel of Spain and financed by Italian bankers. Lax regulations associated with states also played a big role in expanding maritime empires as they gave states more freedom. This way, it was easier for states to trade without strict regulations which imposed a limit on their trade. Seven Years’ War, a conflict that took place in Europe, the Caribbean, India, and North America, created both allies and rivalries between states. It greatly influenced British dominance in the world and had deep implications on global affairs.

Economic causes and affects of maritime exploration by European states, such as Portugal, Spain, English, French, and Dutch, were numerous. Many European explorers had a desire for wealth which lead to exploration. For example, European explorers hoped to find riches in far away countries and to discover a sea route to Asia. Additionally, there was search for spices (including nutmeg, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, etc.) and luxury goods (silk, gold, silver, jewels, ivory, porcelain, tea, etc.) from Africa and the East. Economic effects include emergence of plantations and trading posts created by Portuguese in West Africa, sea trade established by Europe with India, expansion of slave trade, triangular trade route and Columbian exchange, and rise of capitalism and mercantilism. Christopher Columbus played a major role in discovery of western lands with intentions of sailing to Asian markets (tried to find route to Asia). As for trading-post empires, first built by Portuguese mariners in 16th to 17th century, they control trade routes by forcing merchant vessels to pay duties at fortified trading sites. Their goal was not an attempt to create empires or conquer territories, but rather to control trade and wealth.

Causes of Columbian exchange included European exploration of world, empire building, discovery of Americas (and colonization of lands by Spain and Portugal), introduction of European culture, goods (and crops), people (which lead to increase in population of some areas), diseases, and ideas to the Americas, and the quest for God, Gold, and Glory. The exchange had major effects on both western and eastern hemispheres. Some of these effects include Aztecs and Incas conquered by diseases, weapons, guns, and horses, millions of Native Americans dying due to diseases, African slaves are brought to the Americas, changed economy – cash crops – growth of sugar cane plantations, expanded food choices world wide, changed language and religion of Latin America by European culture, and blending of Native American , European and African ethnic groups and culture.

The Columbian exchange was an extensive trade of animals, plants, culture, human populations, communicable diseases and ideas between the American and Afro-Eurasian hemispheres which followed the voyage of Christ Columbus to the American in 1492. The Columbian exchange had a great impact but some negative and positive, for example, the introduction of New World crops, such as potatoes and corn to the Old World. The negative impact was things such as the spread of diseases, and also the transmission of African populations into slavery.

Both old and new worlds had legumes that were used in the same way they use them as a source of vegetable protein and also to fix the hydrogen informative soils which made it easier for four varieties to be interchanged and or adopted. In the new world they had better varieties they noticed that to grow faster was harder and tasted better and also stored better than the old world equivalents. One explanation for why this was possible was in the Americas because they had fewer protein sources and greater nutritional dependence on the new world and they also develop them more. Specifically, the larger varieties of Phaseolus were found to be more reversible then the old world Bean the fava or broad, The Saladin came from Egypt and it was ancient but they were still Staples called full. But the only problem they found was that they had thick skins which meant they needed longer cooking and a small but a very significant percentage of people who are allergic to them. Then they discovered a specific bean from European explorers called lima beans, lima beans are ivory white, flat and smooth their taste is also subtly much different having a sour bitterness but with a creamy heart to it which is also why some people called them butter beans.

Fava beans are nutty and are now known as chickpeas and they were part of the old world’s legume. But you could use all three in similar ways you could use them in dishes where you have whole beans, soft, also holding their shape and slick with a strong flavor taste or you could mash them and make it into something like a puree which is known hummus. Lima beans are grown-up cross India under other names such as patava excl. The size makes them appealing and also it is interesting to cook with them in other dishes because they pick up the flavors while on a dish. It is said that Linda beans were taken in the 16th century Eastward from South America, Europe, and Asia, it also went Westward to the Spanish and around the Philippines. Unfortunately, they were unable to reach much of Europe other than Spain they became part of traditions paella and became very important in places like Africa. It is also important to know that during the Columbian Exchange there were a lot of guys going on and beans were very important at this time because they were low in carbs and oils and it became part of a diet it is also easily accessible which has been that more people wanted to eat it.

First people leading to globalization and the extension on exchange were some European travelers like Henry the Navigator who went to West Africa, Columbus, and Vasco Da Gama. These wayfarers were being financed by the rulers of western Europe, and the reason for their investigation is to enable Europe to stay aware of the development of exchange that is going on in Asia. The Indian Ocean Basin was hugely prominent creating tons and huge amounts of business sectors and cash and the Europeans need to be progressively associated with this exchange. Rather than circumventing Africa, the objective is to locate a superior course to Asia. Columbus, for instance, traveled west on the grounds that possibly they would achieve China or India at the same time, but there’s land in the way.

These pioneers had the capacity to wander out and get to these better places due to the new innovation. Tech is a great analysis point. A portion of these new advancements were better maps, comprehension of wind patterns like monsoons in the Indian Ocean, and Caravels which were like little ships that Columbus utilized which cause this huge defining moment in this timeframe.

There were two noteworthy courses of merchandise one of them was the Columbian Exchange. The Columbian Exchange was such a gigantic occasion since tons and huge amounts of sustenance, infections, individuals, thoughts, and societies were being traded over the Atlantic from the new world to the old world like corn and potatoes from the old world to the new world like diseases, sugar, and slaves. Second is the progression of silver from the Americas to Asia. It’s great to recall a portion of the things traded in the Columbian trade since you can utilize it as evidence. The Columbian Exchange would have caused an expansion in the populace in light of the fact that there was more sustenance, in any case, infections from the Europeans, Asians, and Africans to the new world from the old world made locals bite the dust, however. This was on the grounds that locals didn’t have the resistance to endure those infections. Illnesses like smallpox, flu, and measles cleared out a colossal bit of the American populace.

So how did the Europeans finance these things? This was not free, it was not shoddy and it was difficult to do this somebody needed to pay for these endeavors. Somebody needs to pay traders to have the capacity to do this. Joints Stock Companies made this conceivable. The VOC Dutch Company and the British East India Company made exchange less hazardous and they financed distinctive exchange routes.

In conclusion, the Impact of Globalization included social impacts in the spread of religion like Islam spreading to Southeast Asia and Christianity spread into the Americas. At the point when individuals convey religion from one spot to the next, it generally isn’t polished a similar way and it turns into a Syncretic religion. A Syncretic religion resembles a mixing of two societies. A few models are Vodun in the Caribbean and Sikhism in India which resembles Islam and Hinduism consolidated. Vodun resembles western African spiritualism and Christianity.