Discuss The Causes Of The Columbian Exchange
In 1492, Christopher Columbus and his crew of sailors washed ashore on the Bahamas, thinking they had discovered a “new world,” they proudly claimed ownership for the Spanish monarchy. However, Columbus made a wrong distinction when calling the land a “New World.” According to Vigil in “From Indians to Chicanos,”
European exploration of the Caribbean region had begun with Columbus’s voyage in 1492, and his discovery was not so much of a New World but of contact between two worlds that were already very old. There were many sources of conflict. Some caused more friction than others, yet in one way or another all reflect the results of Spanish-Indian contact.
After the arrival of Columbus’ in the Americas, the plant, animal, and bacterial life …show more content…
They brought a few diseases over with them, but since they had spent many years in the cold while crossing over, it eliminated many of the diseases-causing agents that they may have had in their immune system. For this reason the first Americans, and their later generations, enjoyed freedom from infections that had already plagued populations of African and Europe. As the Columbian Exchange began to make its course Asia and Africa had already received new diseases spread by cattle, sheep, and …show more content…
Europe imported crops and domesticated animals which greatly impacted regions economic, biological, and social balance. It began with the introduction of wheat, rye, and barley. Along with the grains they also introduced plantation crops such as sugar, citrus fruits, and bananas. When the growth of these crops first began, they grew poorly, but as time progressed they flourished in the area. Although the Americas may have been flourishing in crops, it did not do the Spanish any good if there were no people to harvest it. Since much of the native population was already gone, this brought up the use of slavery. Aside from crops, the Europeans also exported animals into the Americas. One of the most popular animals among them was the horse. When the natives first came into contact with this animal they were afraid, however, they quickly learned how to raise and ride horses themselves. Sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs also proved to be popular in the Americas. With the reliance on imported domesticated animals, many new dishes and flavors emerged
European exploration of the Caribbean region had begun with Columbus’s voyage in 1492, and his discovery was not so much of a New World but of contact between two worlds that were already very old. There were many sources of conflict. Some caused more friction than others, yet in one way or another all reflect the results of Spanish-Indian contact.
After the arrival of Columbus’ in the Americas, the plant, animal, and bacterial life …show more content…
They brought a few diseases over with them, but since they had spent many years in the cold while crossing over, it eliminated many of the diseases-causing agents that they may have had in their immune system. For this reason the first Americans, and their later generations, enjoyed freedom from infections that had already plagued populations of African and Europe. As the Columbian Exchange began to make its course Asia and Africa had already received new diseases spread by cattle, sheep, and …show more content…
Europe imported crops and domesticated animals which greatly impacted regions economic, biological, and social balance. It began with the introduction of wheat, rye, and barley. Along with the grains they also introduced plantation crops such as sugar, citrus fruits, and bananas. When the growth of these crops first began, they grew poorly, but as time progressed they flourished in the area. Although the Americas may have been flourishing in crops, it did not do the Spanish any good if there were no people to harvest it. Since much of the native population was already gone, this brought up the use of slavery. Aside from crops, the Europeans also exported animals into the Americas. One of the most popular animals among them was the horse. When the natives first came into contact with this animal they were afraid, however, they quickly learned how to raise and ride horses themselves. Sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs also proved to be popular in the Americas. With the reliance on imported domesticated animals, many new dishes and flavors emerged