Christopher Columbus, Discovery of the New World, and Rise of International Trade
Overview
This essay examines Christopher Columbus's contributions to international trade following his voyages to the Americas, using Geoffrey Symcox and Blair Sullivan's work as a primary reference. The paper acknowledges both the positive economic impacts of the Columbian Exchange and the significant negative consequences for indigenous populations, including disease, slavery, and cultural destruction.
What this essay covers
- Introduction establishing Columbus as a pivotal figure in international trade and the Columbian Exchange
- Background Information detailing Columbus's voyages between 1492-1502 and his original goal of finding a sea route to Asia
- Discussion of Spanish royal support and Columbus's observations regarding indigenous peoples leading to slavery and exploitation
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Christopher Columbus, Discovery of the New World, and Rise of International Trade
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Introduction
Christopher Columbus is remembered for many contributions but the most important was the discovery of the Americas and the beginning of international trade. Known as the Columbus Exchange, international trade led to increased trade activities in the Americas. The Americas were able to sell raw materials such as sugar, tobacco, cotton, among others to Europe and in return, received finished products. The discovery of the new world, including the Caribbean, South America, and Africa, was by chance. Initially, Christopher Columbus wanted to find a sea route to the Asian continent, but instead, his voyage led to surprise discoveries of various islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The discovery of the new lands was also important for Spain. The country needed new colonies and raw materials to compete effectively with Portugal, which was a major rival. Economic power was vital for Spain, explaining the scramble for the new worlds and the accelerated economic activities. Despite the positive contributions in trade, Christopher Columbus's voyages and discoveries also had adverse effects particularly on the natives. The spread of diseases in the new world, the brutal murder of the aboriginals, intermarriages, assimilation, among other factors, had major negative impacts on the natives. Slavery was another negative contribution that led to great suffering to slaves, especially from Africa.