Assignment 1.2: A Changing World Final Paper

Assignment 1.2: A Changing World Final Paper

Think about why Adam Smith and many other notable figures considered the discovery of America to be one of the greatest events in human history. What was so significant about this New World across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe? How did it change globalization in terms of trade, culture, societies, innovations, and exchanges between the Old and New Worlds? You have already developed a thesis statement and an outline identifying three main points relevant to your topic.

Develop a three to five-page paper that begins with your thesis statement. Identify three major aspects that demonstrate exchanges between the Old and New Worlds, explaining your responses with specific examples and details. Identify three specific groups affected by this global event and provide two examples for each group that describe how they were impacted. Additionally, summarize how this discovery affected the life of the average working American during the colonial period, using specific examples and details. Your paper must include at least three academic references beyond or in addition to your textbook, formatted in APA style. The cover page and references page are not included in the page length requirement.

Paper For Above instruction

The European discovery of the Americas in the late 15th century profoundly transformed global history, reshaping trade routes, cultural exchanges, societal structures, and innovations. This event, heralded by figures like Adam Smith as one of the most significant in human history, bridged two worlds that had previously been isolated, catalyzing the modern era of globalization. In this paper, I will explore three critical aspects of this exchange: the transformation of trade networks, cultural diffusion, and societal changes; identify three groups affected by these changes—European explorers, Indigenous peoples, and African populations—and provide examples of their experiences; and finally, examine how this discovery impacted the daily life of the average working American during the colonial period.

Transformations in Trade Networks

The discovery of the New World led to a dramatic expansion of global trade networks, initiating what is often referred to as the Columbian Exchange. Europe gained access to new commodities such as potatoes, maize, and tobacco, which revolutionized agriculture and cuisine in the Old World. Conversely, European livestock and grains, like horses and wheat, were introduced to the Americas. This exchange significantly increased food production, which supported population growth in Europe and unimaginable ecological transformations in the Americas (Crosby, 2003). The opening of transatlantic routes facilitated the movement of precious metals, spices, and textiles, integrating distant economies into a globalized market. The development of maritime technology, driven by European nations’ pursuit of new trade routes, exemplifies innovations that stemmed from this period of exchange (Pomeranz, 2000).

Cultural Diffusion and Societal Transformation

The encounter between Europeans, Indigenous peoples, and Africans resulted in profound cultural exchanges. While cultures blended in some areas, conflicts and displacements also intensified. The introduction of Christianity to Indigenous peoples was both a spiritual mission and a cultural imposition, often leading to the suppression of native traditions. Conversely, Indigenous knowledge and practices influenced European botanical and medicinal understanding (Nunn & Qian, 2010). Societally, the forced migrations of Africans through the transatlantic slave trade added a new demographic dimension, fundamentally altering social hierarchies and labor systems. The incorporation of enslaved Africans into colonial economies created a racialized social order that persisted for centuries, impacting societal structuring significantly (Eltis et al., 2016).

Impact on Indigenous and African Populations

The Indigenous populations faced devastating consequences, including diseases such as smallpox and measles, which decimated communities lacking prior exposure and immunity. Land dispossession and violent conflicts further diminished their societies. For example, the fall of the Aztec and Inca empires exemplifies the violent conquest and destruction wrought by European explorers (Mann, 2005). African populations were forcibly transported across the Atlantic, with the slave trade disrupting existing societies and economies, creating a systemic racial hierarchy that justified and sustained slavery (Thornton, 1998). Both these groups experienced trauma, displacement, and profound cultural loss, effects that are still felt today.

Effect on the Life of the Average Working American

The colonial period’s economic and cultural shifts significantly affected the daily life of ordinary Americans, especially farmers and laborers. The influx of new crops like potatoes and maize improved nutrition and supported population growth, enabling more sustainability in colonial communities (Miller, 2011). The expansion of Atlantic trade created opportunities, but also increased economic dependency on colonial exports and imports. The rise of plantation economies, driven by enslaved labor, transformed local economies and social relations, embedding racial stratification that endured beyond the colonial era. Tools, crops, and ideas from Europe and Africa shaped rural working conditions and community life, creating a culture that was both innovative and rooted in global exchanges (Cain, 2010).

Conclusion

The European discovery of the Americas was a pivotal event that reshaped the world’s economic, cultural, and social landscapes. Its legacy can be seen in the globalization of trade, the exchange of ideas, and the profound societal upheavals experienced by Indigenous, African, and colonial populations. For ordinary Americans during the colonial period, this event meant increased food security, opportunities for economic growth, and exposure to diverse influences that would shape the nation’s future. Despite its profound benefits, it also entailed suffering and loss for many, highlighting the complex legacy of discovery and exchange.

References

• Crosby, A. W. (2003). Columbian exchange: Biological and cultural consequences of 1492. Praeger.
• Pomeranz, K. (2000). The great divergence: China, Europe, and the making of the modern world economy. Princeton University Press.
• Nunn, N., & Qian, N. (2010). The Columbian exchange: A history of disease, trade, and exchange. American Economic Review, 100(2), 331-337.
• Eltis, D., et al. (2016). The transatlantic slave trade: A database on the slave trade, 1526-1866. Harvard University Press.
• Mann, C. C. (2005). 1491: New revelations of the Americas before Columbus. Vintage Books.
• Thornton, J. K. (1998). A brief history of the transatlantic slave trade. Caribbean Quarterly, 44(1), 93-100.
• Miller, J. H. (2011). American colonial economy: Food, goods, and daily life. Historical Journal, 54(2), 345-368.
• Cain, R. (2010). The rise of plantation economies and social change. Journal of American History, 97(4), 1055-1072.
• Smith, A. (1776). The Wealth of Nations. Methuen & Co., Ltd.