Effect of European Colonization

How did European exploration and colonization forever change the landscape and lives of people in the Old World and the New World?

Positive:
-The Europeans gained a few things from the Americas. They were introduced to corn and potatoes, which were highly nutritious and very easy to grow. This increase in 'easy foods' helped Europe.
The Europeans also gained new lands from the Americas, increasing population and territory.

-The Americas were introduced to quite a few things as well. The most important thing they gained from Europe was various foods (such as citrus fruits) and livestock (horses, cattle, pigs, chickens, etc).

-Africa gained weaponry through trading.


Negative:
-The Europeans were not affected negatively by the discovery of the Americas.

-The Americas suffered greatly from the Europeans. One way they were affected was through disease. All the livestock brought over from Europe had diseases that the natives had no defenses against. This caused huge spreads of sickness and death over the land. The natives of the Americas were also forced into work for the Europeans, and often mistreated or killed.
Because of the discovery of the New World, the natives of the Americas lost their land, became sick, and were forced to work.

-Another important continent affected by the discovery of the Americas was Africa. The Africans were considered strong and harder working than the natives, so they were shipped to the Americas to work. This affected the Africans greatly, because many died from the long voyage, harsh conditions on the boat, and harsh conditions once they reached the Americas.