Dr. Johnson
Hist. 1301
The Columbian Exchange, the term used to describe when both sides of the Atlantic encountered each other, changed life dramatically for the Native Americans and Europeans. This lasted from the time Columbus’ discovery through expansion and discovery. During this exchange the Europeans brought over crops such as rice and wheat and they also brought over domesticated animals such as horses, cattle, and dogs. The Indians gave crops such as corn, potatoes, squash, and tomatoes. (The Columbian Exchange) While this exchange was helped the old world tremendously, the new world also received disease and sickness from the old world. The Indians were impacted profoundly by the new technology that was brought over. …show more content…
Soon the Native Americans began to learn how to read and write which had not been done before in the new world. Aside from learning how to read and write some Native Americans also began to convert to Christianity. New farming technology like the plow was good for the new world economy and healthfulness of the people. It allowed them to cultivate large amounts of land in a shorter amount of time. They were also introduced to firearms and weapons made out of steel and iron which had not been discovered yet in the new world. (The Columbian Exchange) This allowed for stronger knives and spears and the crafting of guns. Guns allowed the Indians to kill large animals faster than a bow and arrow.
The Indians were very spiritual and self-driven people. After the introduction of all these new technologies, I would say that the self-determination of the Native Americans would’ve decreased a little bit. Serious disease probably also had an effect on the morale and determination of the Native Americans. Their immune systems weren’t used to the viruses of the old world. These sicknesses sucked the life out of the indigenous people. Also, the introduction of new technology made farming easier so a lot of tribes switched from hunters and gatherers to a more farming based