In the period 1492 to 1750 the Native Americans’ social structure was immediately transformed with the arrival of European colonists. The natives quickly fell to the bottom of the social structure; many died from diseases introduced by the colonists, and the few that did survive were enslaved for agricultural production. Not only were social structures in the Americas redefined, but European economies were greatly affected by the influx of silver brought from the Americas. The desire for silver increased maritime trade leading to the Columbian Exchange. The Columbian Exchange increased the European merchant class’ power. With the rise of the merchant class, a more capitalistic society was introduced into Europe.
