American Imperialism Effects

I enjoyed reading your input on the effects the discovery of the Americas had on Europeans. The effects did greatly vary between empires. As you mentioned, the Spanish particularly benefited for a time from their exploits in South America. However, despite the abundance of trade and incoming wealth, the empire eventually struggled. Between war and imperialism, the Spanish empire ultimately faltered. Space wise, colonialism was beneficial as the new lands provided new places to settle and opened new markets for the various empires. As you mentioned, there were downsides to expansion, for example, tension with the natives and inhospitable environments. Politically, imperialistic goals were detrimental to some empires, like the British empire.
The American fight for independence is a good example when discussing political implications. The colonists grew tired of fighting against other empires for nothing, they were left unrepresented and unheard. They were also tired of being left to fight against native incursions without proper help from the motherland. They rebelled against the growing tyranny, and successfully at that, and amazing feat for the time. There were major repercussions around the world with the emergence of the new republic. Many saw this fight against tyranny as possible for them and acted on it. So, we see the temporary economic and political gains of imperialism, but in hindsight, we see these temporary successes resulted in long lasting, if not permanent, losses. I like how you summarize the effects of the discovery of America you emphasize the economic gain as well as mention the long term, social and ethical aspects of discovery.