Explain the impact of the Columbus journey to America for seventh graders

 

 Introduction

Christopher Columbus's journey to America in 1492 was a major turning point in world history. It led to the European colonization of the Americas, which had a profound impact on both the Europeans and the Native Americans.

Impact on Europe

Columbus's voyage opened up new trade routes between Europe and the Americas. This led to an influx of wealth into Europe, which helped to fuel the Renaissance. European merchants also brought back new crops and goods from the Americas, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and tobacco.

Impact on the Americas

The arrival of Europeans in the Americas had a devastating impact on the Native American population. Europeans brought with them diseases that Native Americans had no immunity to, such as smallpox and measles. These diseases killed millions of Native Americans.

Europeans also enslaved Native Americans and forced them to work on plantations and in mines. Many Native Americans were also killed in wars with Europeans.

The Columbian Exchange

The Columbian Exchange was the transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between Europe and the Americas. The exchange had a profound impact on both continents.

Europeans brought to the Americas:

• Horses
• Cattle
• Pigs
• Sheep
• Wheat
• Oats
• Barley
• Sugar cane
• Coffee
• Oranges
• Lemons
• Bananas
• Diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza

Native Americans brought to Europe:

• Turkeys
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Corn
• Beans
• Squash
• Cocoa
• Tobacco
• Pineapples
• Avocados
• Peanuts
• Diseases such as syphilis

Conclusion

Columbus's journey to America had a profound impact on both Europe and the Americas. It led to the European colonization of the Americas, which had a devastating impact on the Native American population. However, the Columbian Exchange also led to the transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between the two continents, which had a significant impact on both cultures.

Graphics

Opens in a new window www.nationalgeographic.org

map showing the trade routes between Europe and the Americas

Test

Multiple choice

1. Which of the following is NOT a plant that was brought to Europe from the Americas?

   • A. Potato
   • B. Tomato
   • C. Wheat
   • D. Coffee

2. Which of the following is NOT a disease that was brought to the Americas from Europe?

   • A. Smallpox
   • B. Measles
   • C. Influenza
   • D. Syphilis

3. Which of the following is NOT an impact of Columbus's journey to America on the Americas?

   • A. The introduction of new diseases
   • B. The enslavement of Native Americans
   • C. The transfer of new plants and animals
   • D. The Renaissance

Answers

1. C
2. D
3. D

Short answer

1. Explain the Columbian Exchange.

The Columbian Exchange was the transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between Europe and the Americas. It had a profound impact on both continents.

2. What was the impact of Columbus's journey to America on the Native American population?

The arrival of Europeans in the Americas had a devastating impact on the Native American population. Europeans brought with them diseases that Native Americans had no immunity to, such as smallpox and measles. These diseases killed millions of Native Americans. Europeans also enslaved Native Americans and forced them to work on plantations and in mines. Many Native Americans were also killed in wars with Europeans.

Extended response

1. Discuss the legacy of Christopher Columbus.

Christopher Columbus is a controversial figure. He is credited with "discovering" the Americas for Europeans, but he is also blamed for the genocide of Native Americans. Some people believe that Columbus should be celebrated for his accomplishments, while others believe that he should be condemned for his crimes.

There is no easy answer to the question of how to view Columbus's legacy. It is important to consider both the positive and negative impacts of his journey to America.