European Imperialism And The Columbian Exchange

The origins of globalization can be traced many centuries back; however the initial date remains a highly controversial issue amongst historians to this day. Nonetheless, one fact is coherent; it played a big influence during the formation of collective identity group’s legacies. In addition, European monarchs also impacted many cultural groups through their quest for imperialism during the “Age of Discovery”. The following quote does an excellent job illustrating the consequences of European expansion. “Europe’s encounter with and treatment of the world’s tribal people is, a tale of extraordinary human achievement in adversity, conferring on the victors much of the possession of the worlds resources.” To reiterate, European expansion was

accomplished by executing inhumane acts against indigenous people, bestowing European countries with wealth, power, and territory. The perspective reflected in the source should be taken solemnly, as the many historical travesties committed against Aboriginal people still affect their descendants to this day.
To emphasize the point, the Columbian Exchange can be taken as a great exemplar.

Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the New World in 1492 sparked an era known as the Columbian Exchange, in which the exchange of plants, animals, technology, ideas, and diseases occurred. It also marked the migration of many European settlers into the Americas, where they implemented their Eurocentric ideology on the First Nations who were residing there. A large amount of Latin Native Americans were taken as slaves back to Europe, or forced to commit rigorous labour and chores on sugar and coffee plantations in the Caribbean or South America. European monarchs utilized such resources through a mercantilist policy, giving Europe an economic boost. Based on the profits they were making through colonialism, they decided to set out and go imperialize more territory around the world. These events reinforce the idea that Europe could only flourish through the marginalization of Aboriginal

nations.
A few centuries after the Columbian Exchange, European countries started invading the continent of Africa. This historical milestone is now known as the “Scramble for Africa.” Almost every country was conquered by a European nation.
All things considered, we as human beings need to embrace the fact that European countries oppressed indigenous peoples during the process of imperialism.

As well as providing these oppressed minorities the support they need and encouraging cultural revitalization. The Columbian Exchange, the Scramble for Africa, and British-rule Canada are only three of the many incidents where Europeans took advantage of Aboriginals for their own selfish needs. All three occurrences had a common predisposition; Europeans with an intent to assimilate or to disregard a minority. Their Eurocentric beliefs caused the diminishment of many Native American cultures, and mistreated many people of colour. Despite these horrible actions, Europe always seemed to be the more dominant group, and gained all the riches, control, and territory. This poses the question: is there really such a thing as

karma?