Adam Smith said the discovery of America was one of the most important events recorded in the history of mankind because it allowed numerous people living in Europe to be extra wealthy and happier through the trade that was made among America and Europe. Many people from Europe moved to America and experienced a freedom that was not achievable in Europe. They were able to purchase land and were able to have additional religious freedom than was not possible in Europe. The arrival of goods from the New World, he insisted, greatly increased the “Enjoyments’ of the people of Europe and the market for European goods. Nonetheless, Smith did not fail to note the price paid by the native populations of the New World, who suffered a dramatic decline
