Labor, Commerce, and the Columbian Exchange

New Worlds in the Americas: Labor, Commerce, and the Columbian Exchange

European promoters of colonization claimed the Americas overflowed with a wealth of treasures. Burnishing national glory and honor became entwined with carving out colonies, and no nation wanted to be left behind. However, the realities of life in the Americas – violence, exploitation, and particularly the need for workers – were soon driving the practice of slavery and forced labor.

Everywhere in America a stark contrast existed between freedom and slavery. The Columbian Exchange, in which Europeans transported plants, animals, and diseases across the Atlantic in both directions, also left a lasting impression on the Americas.

Source: Lumen Learning, https://courses.lumenlearning.com/odessa-ushistory1os-1/chapter/new-worlds-in-the-americas-labor-commerce-and-the-columbian-exchange/
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