Assignment 11: A Changing World Thesis And Outline Due Week

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

Assignment 11 A Changing World Thesis And Outline Due Week 3 and worth 50 points “The discovery of America, and that of the passage to the East Indies by the Cape of Good Hope, are the two greatest events recorded in the history of [human] kind” —Adam Smith, in The Wealth of Nations, 1776. Think about why he and many other notables supported this statement, especially concerning the discovery of America. What was so important about this New World across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe? How did it change globalization in terms of trade, culture, societies, innovations, old and new world exchanges, and in other ways?

Part 1: 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: )

Part 2: 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: )

2. Write a one to two (1-2) page outline in which you: 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. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: This course requires use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different than other Strayer University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for details.

Paper For Above instruction

The discovery of America in 1492 by Christopher Columbus is often heralded as one of the pivotal turning points in human history, fundamentally altering the course of global development. This event not only initiated an era of extensive exploration and colonization but also marked the beginning of unparalleled exchanges between the Old and New Worlds. As such, the discovery and subsequent colonization dramatically transformed global trade, cultures, and societies, laying the groundwork for modern globalization. This paper explores how the discovery of America changed the world, focusing on three major aspects of Old and New World exchanges, groups impacted by this event, and the effects on American occupations and lifestyles due to new trade routes.

Thesis Statement

The discovery of America revolutionized global interconnectedness by initiating extensive exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas, thereby shaping modern globalization and transforming societies on both sides of the Atlantic.

Major Aspects Demonstrating Old and New World Exchanges

1. The Columbian Exchange of Crops and Livestock

The Columbian Exchange facilitated the transfer of crops such as potatoes, maize, and tomatoes from the New World to Europe, Asia, and Africa, dramatically increasing agricultural productivity and diversifying diets. Conversely, Old World crops, including wheat, rice, and sugarcane, were introduced into the New World. The exchange of livestock such as horses, pigs, and cattle transformed indigenous agriculture and mobility in the Americas, impacting social structures and land use patterns.

2. The Spread of Diseases and Demographic Changes

European contact introduced diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza to indigenous populations, resulting in catastrophic demographic declines and societal collapses in the Americas. Simultaneously, Europeans and Africans suffered from Old World diseases brought back from the New World, which altered patterns of health and mortality worldwide.

3. Cultural and Societal Transformation through Colonization

The establishment of European colonies led to complex cultural exchanges, blending indigenous, European, and African traditions. This cultural syncretism influenced languages, religions, and social practices, reshaping societal identities and structures across continents.

Five Groups Affected by the Event and Examples of Impact

  • Indigenous peoples: Experienced immense population declines due to disease and warfare; their societal structures and cultures faced disruption.
  • European explorers and colonizers: Gained access to new territories, resources, and economic opportunities; faced challenges of colonization and conflict with indigenous nations.
  • African slaves: Were forcibly brought to work in colonies, leading to the establishment of the transatlantic slave trade and significant demographic and cultural changes.
  • Native birds and fauna: Native species were displaced or depleted due to hunting and habitat change linked to colonization.
  • Global traders: Saw the creation of new trade routes, expanding markets and encouraging the exchange of goods like silver, gold, and textiles.

Impact of New Global Trade Routes on American Occupations and Lifestyles

  1. Development of port cities and maritime occupations, such as shipbuilding, navigation, and trade provisioning.
  2. Growth of plantation economies based on cash crops like sugar, tobacco, and cotton, altering agricultural practices and labor systems.
  3. Introduction of new commodities and technologies, such as firearms and metal tools, influencing everyday life and production methods.
  4. Expansion of market-oriented occupations, encouraging commercial farming and artisan industries.
  5. Increased social mobility for some Europeans and creoles, although often at the expense of indigenous and enslaved populations.

References

  • Crosby, A. W. (2003). Columbian Exchange: Biological and Cultural Consequences of 1492. Praeger.
  • Montaño, M. (2007). The Impact of the Columbian Exchange on World Societies. Journal of Global History, 2(3), 251–273.
  • Nunn, N., & Wantchekon, L. (2011). The Impact of the Columbian Exchange on Mesoamerican Societies. The Journal of Economic Perspectives, 25(2), 25–48.
  • Rollins, J. (2002). American Colonies: The Settling of North America. HarperCollins.
  • Vegetal, L. (2015). Trade, Culture, and Change: The Atlantic World after 1492. International History Review, 37(2), 250–277.