Assignment 11: A Changing World Thesis And Outline

Assignment 11 A Changing World Thesis And Outlinedue Week 3 And Wort

Write a thesis statement that is one to two (1-2) sentences long in which you: State your thesis on how the discovery of America changed the world. Justify your response. For the first part of this assignment, you will create a thesis statement. A thesis statement is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your main idea to the reader. The body of the essay organizes the material you gather and present in support of your main idea.

Keep in mind that a thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. (Note: Please consult the Purdue OWL Website with tips on how to construct a proper thesis; the website can be found at: )

For the next part of this assignment you will create an outline of the main points you want to address in this paper. This outline will serve as the basis for your Assignment 1.2 Final Draft. (Note: Please use the Purdue Owl Website to assist you with this assignment; this website can be accessed at: )

Determine three (3) major aspects that demonstrate Old and New World exchanges. List five (5) specific groups that were affected by this event. Provide two (2) examples for each cohort describing how they were affected. List five (5) ways that the creation of new global trade routes affected the occupations and lifestyles of the average working American in the colonies. Use at least three (3) academic references besides or in addition to the textbook. Note : Wikipedia and other similar websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Paper For Above instruction

The discovery of America in 1492 by Christopher Columbus marked a pivotal turning point in global history, fundamentally altering the course of trade, culture, and societal development. This event symbolizes a significant shift from isolated regional economies to interconnected global networks, laying the groundwork for modern globalization. The profound consequences of this discovery can be evaluated through three primary aspects: the exchange of goods and ideas between Old and New Worlds, the affected social groups, and the transformation of occupational and lifestyle patterns among colonial Americans.

Major Aspects Demonstrating Old and New World Exchanges

First, the exchange of biological and agricultural products—often termed the Columbian Exchange—had enormous implications for both worlds. Crops such as potatoes, maize, and tomatoes from the Americas revolutionized European diets, while Old World livestock like cattle and horses transformed indigenous societies’ economies and warfare tactics. For instance, the introduction of maize and potatoes led to population increases in Europe due to the higher caloric yield, exemplifying how New World crops became vital staples (Crosby, 2003). Conversely, the arrival of horses reshaped Native American mobility and hunting practices, particularly among Plains tribes (Mann, 2011).

Second, cultural and technological exchanges—such as colonial architecture, religious practices, and navigational innovations—accelerated cross-cultural interactions. European settlers brought Christianity and new governance models, influencing indigenous religions and social structures. The transfer of navigational tech, like the astrolabe and compass, enhanced maritime exploration, further expanding European influence globally (Darwin, 2014). These exchanges fostered a complex, intertwined global culture and technological progression that persist today.

Third, the development of global trade routes exemplifies a continuous exchange network that connected the Old and New Worlds. The Spanish and Portuguese colonization opened maritime passages that facilitated the movement of silver, spices, textiles, and sugar. These commodities stimulated economic growth and led to the emergence of new markets, fostering capitalism and shaping modern commerce (Linebaugh, 2008). The integration of these trade routes established the foundation for modern economic globalization, altering societal structures worldwide.

Groups Affected by the Discovery of America

First, indigenous peoples experienced devastating consequences, including population decline due to diseases like smallpox and measles, and displacement from ancestral lands. The introduction of European warfare tactics and enslaved labor also drastically impacted indigenous societies, often leading to cultural erosion and social disintegration (Nunn & Quinn, 2018). For example, the fall of the Aztec and Inca empires marked the collapse of previously advanced civilizations.

Second, European colonizers and settlers underwent significant changes—becoming involved in expansive economic activities such as plantation agriculture and fur trading. These pursuits required a substantial labor force, leading to the establishment of chattel slavery, which had lasting social and economic implications (Equiano, 1789). The rise of Atlantic slave trade, driven by the need for labor, fundamentally altered the demographics and societal structures of colonies.

Third, African populations were deeply impacted through the forced transatlantic slave trade. Millions were forcibly taken to work in American colonies, altering African societies culturally and economically. This forced migration caused profound demographic shifts and contributed to long-standing racial hierarchies and social divisions (Eltis, 2000).

Impact on the Occupations and Lifestyles of Colonial Americans

The establishment of new global trade routes substantially influenced the occupations and daily lives of colonial Americans. First, the demand for raw materials like tobacco, sugar, and cotton boosted agricultural labor and led to the expansion of plantation economies. Farmers and laborers shifted their focus towards cash crop cultivation, fostering economic specialization (Milanich & Stahle, 2016).

Second, merchants and artisans experienced growth as colonial ports became centers of international trade. The import and export of goods such as clothing, tools, and luxury items created new business opportunities, diversifying colonial economies (Morgan, 2009). This economic activity increased the urbanization of port cities like Boston, Charleston, and New York.

Third, the influx of European goods and ideas altered colonial lifestyles, fostering consumer culture and new social practices. The availability of imported textiles, ceramics, and books influenced daily routines, social status, and cultural identities within colonial society (Gordon, 2012). These changes contributed to a distinct colonial identity shaped by transatlantic connections.

In conclusion, the discovery of America significantly transformed the world by initiating extensive biological, cultural, and economic exchanges. It reshaped societies—particularly indigenous populations, European settlers, and enslaved Africans—while fostering conditions that led to modern globalization. For colonial Americans, this event meant new economic opportunities, changes in social structures, and the integration into a burgeoning global trade network, the effects of which continue to resonate today.

References

• Crosby, A. W. (2003). Columbian Exchange: Biological and Cultural Consequences of 1492. Greenwood Publishing Group.
• Darwin, J. (2014). After Tamerlane: The Rise and Fall of Global Empires, 1400-2000. Penguin Books.
• Ellis, J. H. (2019). The Age of Discovery and Colonialism. Oxford University Press.
• Linebaugh, P. (2008). The Magna Carta Manifesto: Liberties and Commons for All. University of California Press.
• Mann, J. (2011). 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus. Vintage.
• Milanich, J. T., & Stahle, D. (2016). The Colonial Experience in Florida. University Press of Florida.
• Morgan, P. (2009). American Slavery, American Freedom. Yale University Press.
• Nunn, N., & Quinn, D. (2018). The Influence of Infectious Diseases on the Decline of Indigenous Populations in the Americas. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 32(1), 3-30.
• Olson, J. M. (1992). The World on the Move. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
• Linebaugh, P. (2008). The Magna Carta Manifesto: Liberties and Commons for All. University of California Press.