The Columbian Exchange: The Impact Of Voyages Of Discovery

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The Impact of Voyages of Discovery Imagine fighting the wind against the stormy sea, cold and relentless rain stinging and biting through clothing, and the deep rocking cradle of waves crashing and colliding against the wood holding the fleet buoyant. How exciting and dangerous could that have been—parallel circumstances that left men fighting for their lives, and not knowing when they would return home? Voyages and the thrill of possible discovery cost many men their lives over the course of history; however, without their fearless nature and the endless quests for the pursuit of new and thrilling discoveries, history would have turned out completely different. The impact of voyages of discovery have commonly began with a similar notion in mind. Through the expanse of years and ages, men have sought to discover faster routes and suitable land to gain goods and a fresh start. The impact of voyages of discovery has been pivotal for North America, by knowing what the Columbian exchange and global trade were, the causes of change, and the reasons for continuities, the impact behind the voyage of discovery will become quite obvious. Trade has been a means of payment and wealth for centuries. Trading goods enables citizens to buy and obtain items of sell from other countries without actually going and traveling to those highly esteemed places. When countries are able to trade goods with other countries, it Abney 2 has been, and is, a mutually beneficial exchange. The Columbian exchange took place after the exploration voyages by Christopher Columbus. The book, “Traditions and Encounters: A Brief Global History,” states, “The Columbian Exchange enriched European diets by introducing new food crops to European fields and tables. Most notable of the introductions was the potato, which provided a welcome and inexpensive source of carbohydrates to peasants and laborers.” Other American goods such as corn, beans, pepper, and tobacco were vastly sought after in Europe. Europe also introduced new goods and animals to the Americas. Items and animals such as wheat, rice, certain fruits, chickens, horses, cows, and sheep were also beneficial to the Americas. Global Trade linked countries to participate in the Asian trade markets. When Europe established colonies in the Americas, they were able to set up networks of trade …show more content…
The messy and disappointing beginning aspects of certain changes, soon clears to reach a substantial formation of new life in which to begin. Continuities are able to occur, because of the pandemonium of change. The Americas provided a fresh start that many were willing to chance. Over time, the Columbian Exchange actually increased the world’s population. The Americas provided the means and land to better supply crops that produced and aided in creating a better nourished population. The article, “The Columbian Exchange,” states, “The Columbian Exchange refers to a period of cultural and biological exchanges between the New and Old Worlds. Exchanges of plants, animals, diseases and technology transformed European and Native American ways of life. Beginning after Columbus' discovery in 1492 the exchange lasted throughout the years of expansion and discovery.” The reasons behind the continuities of the voyages of discovery is based on the transformation and idealism behind the new and prosperous land that held so much potential for a fresh start and a new

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