Positive And Negative Effects Of The Columbian Exchange

Spanish exploration had both negative and positive consequences toward the Native Americans, and Europeans. One of the positive consequences was that tobacco was the main source of money, which made the economy grow since it grew at an alarming rate. There were negative consequences though, like, cancer from the tobacco. Although there were positive effects of the Columbian Exchange, the negatives were more significant.
Spanish exploration had many negatives. First, there were diseases. Diseases ravaged through North Americans, killing thousands, if not, millions. When Spanish explorers came to the “New World” they brought with them diseases they were immune to, and at the time they were unaware of germs and bacteria. In turn, It led to the
near extinction of Native Americans, as they did not have a cure, it spread like a wildfire. (o.i) The second example of Spanish exploration having a negative consequence enslavement, is when the Spaniards came to the “New World” they found the Native Americans and saw that they’re skin color was different and enslaved them. This also lead to the death of thousands, due to overworking.(doc6) The final negative effect of Spanish exploration, was the elimination of 240,000 Arawaks by the year 1550. When the Spanish explorers came to the “New World”, they found the Arawaks. The Arawaks were forced to mine gold for the explorers and when they came up with only dust, they were taken as slaves. As slaves, some of them died to overworking and the rest mostly died from diseases and injuries.(doc4)