How Did Trade Influence The World

“Trade’s influence on the world”

Throught the renaissance period many new ideas came about and have largely impacted our world today. During the 1400-1800s people were encouraged to have new ideas, learn about the world, invent, travel, etc. In the medieval time period prior to this many of these weren’t a main priority to Europeans. In this new age, a variety of events occurred that contributed to an impact on the world such as the Reformation of the Catholic Church, The Great Dying, etc. These events stemmed from travel, trade, new ideas, weapons, and inventions. However, trade surpasses these and drastically changed the world in this time period and left a lasting affect on our society today.

One the primary reasons why trade made a significant influence on the world was because of the discovery of silver in the Americas. This sudden supply of money caused inflation in Europe. Silver was the foundation for the world trade and financed Europe’s increasing involvement in the world economy. Conquistadors from portugal and spain exploited their colonies and made Europe very lucrative. Also, this allows to enhance trade not only in Europe, but in Asia and Africa. These Europeans countries became richer and stronger making them a larger threat to

opposing countries. Silver’s dominance in the economy changed the world’s economy and culture.
Furthermore, trade also brought a variety of diseases to the Americas and had a powerful effect on the population of the Native Americans.

These natives have never been exposed to smallpox, measles, influenza, and other illnesses common to the Europeans. Historians estimate 10 million Native Americans died from the devastating diseases. The large amount of fatalities made it fairly easy for empires to expand in the New World. A lack in manual labor forced conquistadors to bring black slaves from Africa. Scholars call this “The Great Dying” because it is one of the greatest destruction of lives in human history. The trade of diseases that came to the New World altered the landscape and environment in the

Americas.
Although, one could argue travel is a superior choice because it brought religion, ideas, beliefs, expanded empires, and connected the world. Travel brought the Native Americans Christianity and some parts of Africa. Also, travelling helped countries build their empires and gain more power. Another important factor travel included was globalization, when the world became more connected and economically involved. Regardless of the effect of travel it is no match to trade’s grasp on the world. Trade changed the economy, Native American population, spread beliefs and ideas, etc. Travel had little effect on the world, but the culture of it; and trade converted it to an new environment. Ultimately, trade had an immense impact on the world in the time period rather than travel.
In Summary, in this time period many things were occurring that were changing the background of the world back then and the world we know it today. As discoveries were being made and the world was learning more about itself. Globalization was changing the global economy and keeping countries more involved. All around the renaissance things where attributing to the changing world and trade was the most significant one. Trade amplified the world economy and enabled Europeans for travel, spread ideas, etc. In conclusion, trade played the biggest role in the world’s change.