Reference no: EM132458227

Yes, make no mistake that Columbus's expeditions had some great effects for Spain and even more productive effects for the world through the Columbian exchange. You bring up some very important features of the Columbian exchange and list some key variables. I'm often confused at what exactly the Europeans ate as tomatoes, potatoes and corn arrived from the New World. But I assume it was rich with meats (for the wealthy) and other grains/vegetables for the "masses."

For your Follow Up, let's now explore the areas that could be seen as a negative. You mentioned diseases but in Columbus's case you are correct this was not intentional and sadly the spread of disease did go both ways as the Spanish caught diseases as well; however, what of slavery? It is know that Columbus captured at least 500 native and brought them back to Europe to be used as forced labor. And the Columbian Exchange also includes the Atlantic Slave Trade which displaced at least 10 million Africans. Do you believe that this should be seen as a negative towards Columbus?