the columbian exchange

The Columbian Exchange

European exploration/ colonization had a great influence on the Native American tribes. As a result of Mexico being conquered by Spain, the Native American’s lifestyle changed greatly. It began to influence various important aspects of their culture, such as their language and religious beliefs. Although, many believe that European exploration/colonization was good, it was also bad because they spread diseases that almost wiped out the entire population of Native Americans and their way of living. The colonization had various positive influences on the Native American way of life. The most notable change was in Agriculture. European introduced various crops such as wheat, sugar, rice, coffee, and beans to the Native Americans. These crops were not originally found in the New World. In addition to the crops, Europeans also brought over horses, cows, and pigs. However, the New World provided the Old World with new crops as well; they provided corn, potatoes, and cocoa plants. The agricultural exchanges between both worlds provided change in the consumption for both people. This lead to the changes in the economy for the New World; the establishment of gold, silver, and tobacco was now utilized as a cash crop to continue the trade between both worlds. Despite the positive changes established by the colonization, many negative consequences were brought upon the New World. With the emersion of foreigners in the New World, Native Americans suffered greatly because of diseases brought along with them. Native Americans were not immune to bacteria/germs carried by the new people, whom were resistant to it because they had lived around cattle/farms making them immune to various diseases. One of the main diseases that nearly wiped out the Native American population was smallpox; it was a viral infection that entered the body through the nose/throat and cause blisters all over the body. This virus was highly contagious because it was able to become airborne if a Smallpox blister was popped. It also affected the Native American’s lifestyle greatly. For example, the Europeans forced the Native Americans into Christianity even if they didn’t want to. Their culture was literally taken away by the Europeans. The colonization of the New World paved the way for the future history both in the economy, agriculture, religion, and the population. Although, Native Americans were nearly wiped out, it prolonged issues with overpopulation. It also gave Europeans an opportunity to bring over African people to help them with farm work. This in turn, leads to the various races we have in our country today. In addition, we would not have some of the food we have come to know today such as burgers, bacon, or dairy products; had we not been introduced to the various farm animals Europeans brought over at the time. In the end, it is difficult to decide whether colonization was completely bad or good. At the time it brought about many negatives because of the many lives lost. However, it greatly influenced the future positively and has shaped much of our daily lives. Over all when land is conquered many changes are made often seeming for the worst, but in the end it can bring positive changes for future generations to come.