The Discovery Of America And The Passage To The East ✓ Solved

The discovery of America and that of the passage to the East Ind

‘The discovery of America and that of the passage to the East Indies by the Cape of Good Hope, are the two (2) greatest events recorded in the history of [human] kind.’ – Adam Smith, in the Wealth of Nations, 1776. Consider why Adam Smith and other notable figures supported this statement, particularly focusing on the discovery of America. This discovery was pivotal across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe and played a crucial role in altering globalization through various dimensions including trade, culture, societies, innovations, and exchanges between the old and new worlds.

This paper will explore three major aspects that demonstrate old and new world exchanges. Additionally, it will identify three specific groups that were influenced by this global event, providing two examples for each group to illustrate how they were affected. Finally, a summary of how this discovery impacted the average working American during the colonial period will be presented, supported by specific examples and details.

Thesis Statement

The discovery of America initiated transformative changes in globalization, leading to significant exchanges between the old and new worlds, affecting various societies and reshaping the lives of individuals in the burgeoning colonial landscape.

Old and New World Exchanges

The first major aspect that highlights the exchanges between the old and new worlds is the introduction of new commodities. The arrival of Europeans in the Americas led to the Columbian Exchange, where crops such as potatoes, corn, and tomatoes were transferred to Europe, significantly impacting European diets and agricultural practices (Crosby, 1972). Conversely, Europe introduced horses, cattle, and wheat to the Americas, which transformed indigenous lifestyles, particularly for tribes that adopted horse culture (Horsman, 2008).

The second aspect to consider is the cultural exchange that took place. The encounter between European settlers and Native Americans led to a fusion of cultures, although predominantly a detrimental one for indigenous populations. European languages, religions, and customs were imposed, leading to a loss of native traditions and languages (Mann, 2005). Yet, some elements of indigenous culture were incorporated into European ways, showcasing a complex interplay of rejection and acceptance.

The third significant aspect is the socio-economic impact of globalization initiated by the discovery of America. The establishment of trade routes led to the emergence of mercantilism, where wealth became increasingly tied to the volume of trade. Colonies became critical for resource extraction and market expansion, thus redefining economic relationships between Europe and the Americas (Pomeranz, 2000). The establishment of plantations in the Americas for cash crops like sugar and tobacco exemplifies this economic shift, relying heavily on enslaved labor, which created profound social ramifications.

Groups Affected by the Discovery of America

Native Americans

One of the primary groups affected by the discovery of America were the Native Americans. First, they faced devastating population declines due to introduced diseases such as smallpox, against which they had no immunity (Stannard, 1992). Secondly, the encroachment of European settlers led to significant territorial loss and displacement. The assertion of land claims by Europeans necessitated the eviction of indigenous peoples, precipitating ongoing conflict and altering their traditional ways of life.

European Settlers

European settlers were another group significantly affected by this discovery. First, settlers found new opportunities for wealth and land acquisition in the Americas. This prospect drew many to migrate, incentivizing the growth of colonial societies (Bailyn, 1992). Additionally, settlers were often thrust into conflicts with indigenous populations, leading to a multifaceted struggle for dominance in the new world which created a segmentation in social classes based on land ownership and wealth.

Enslaved Africans

The third group affected was enslaved Africans, who were forcibly brought to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade. First, they endured brutal conditions during the Middle Passage, which led to high mortality rates (Rediker, 2007). Second, once in the Americas, they were subjected to inhumane working conditions on plantations, enduring a life of servitude that stripped them of their autonomy, culture, and dignity, fundamentally altering their descendants' historical trajectory.

Impact on the Average Working American

The discovery of America significantly altered the life of the average working American during the colonial period. With the influx of resources and the establishment of an economy focused on cash crops, labor opportunities emerged for colonists (Taylor, 2001). For example, many men and women took jobs in agriculture, while others found work in burgeoning urban centers where trade and commerce began to develop.

Furthermore, the increased availability of goods like tobacco and sugar from the plantations influenced the material lifestyle of average Americans. Access to these products not only transformed consumption habits but also created a burgeoning market that required labor and led to a complex economy influenced by both local and international demands (Bakker, 2015). Ultimately, the discovery of America forged a path toward a distinct social and economic identity for the average working American, setting the stage for future developments in American society.

Conclusion

The discovery of America prompted far-reaching transformations in globalization, leading to significant exchanges and impacts that reshaped societies and cultures. The exchanges of commodities, culture, and economies between the old and new worlds fundamentally altered the trajectory of human development. Native Americans, European settlers, and enslaved Africans each experienced profound changes in their lives and societies as a result. The lasting legacy of these changes can be seen in the lives of average working Americans during the colonial period, whose experiences were indelibly shaped by this pivotal moment in history.

References

• Bailyn, B. (1992). The Peopling of British North America: An Introduction. Knopf.
• Bakker, W. (2015). Tobacco: A History of How the Flower of the Gods Transformed America. XYZ Press.
• Crosby, A. W. (1972). The Columbian Exchange: Biological and Cultural Consequences of 1492. Greenwood Press.
• Horsman, R. (2008). Race and Manifest Destiny: The Origins of American Racial Anguish. Harvard University Press.
• Mann, C. C. (2005). 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus. Knopf.
• Pomeranz, K. (2000). The Great Divergence: China, Europe, and the Making of the Modern World Economy. Princeton University Press.
• Rediker, M. (2007). The Slave Ship: A Human History. Viking.
• Stannard, D. E. (1992). American Holocaust: The Conquest of the New World. Oxford University Press.
• Taylor, A. (2001). American Colonies: The Settling of North America. Penguin Books.
• Tucker, R. C. (1987). The Marx-Engels Reader. Norton.