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Behind Columbus' discovery of the New World: What factors really changed history?
In 1492, Columbus's voyage marked the beginning of a new era and undoubtedly changed the course of human history. However, is it only Columbus’s discovery that is behind such changes? In fact, Columbus's voyage was only part of the interaction in the entire Atlantic world, which profoundly affected the course of the world in many aspects such as economy, culture, environment, labor, and governance in the late 14th century.
The concept of the Atlantic world
Atlantic World covers the interactions between peoples and empires in Europe, Africa, and the Americas whose borders stretched to the Atlantic coast. This historical period is divided into three distinct contexts: transatlantic history, circumatlantic history, and intra-Atlantic history, which includes the continuation of the slave trade and its enormous impact on global history.
The history of the transatlantic slave trade was never completely ended and was gradually contained until the 19th century. The end of the slavery system is still a long and arduous struggle.
Geography and Trade
In the Atlantic world, the control of land and the development of navigation are crucial. The navigators of the 16th century, faced with a difficult geographical environment, established a network based on maritime trade and took root in the roots of Atlantic culture. These trade routes contributed to the economic prosperity of various countries, but at the same time, the cultivation and use of large tracts of land also triggered the demand for human resources, especially African slaves.
Slaves and Labor
Since the 16th century, the slave trade has become an important part of the Atlantic world. In the pursuit of economic profits, European colonists gradually turned to African slaves to meet their demand for labor. This transformation not only made black slaves the main force in economic development, but also showed the establishment of a social and economic system in which the gap between rich and poor gradually increased.
"The Atlantic world is rife with huge inequality. Only a small elite can benefit from it, while the vast majority are exploited and become a machine that keeps running."
Governance and System
As Spain conquered the Inca Empire in Mexico and South America, the complexities of governance emerged in history. Spain established the Vice-Kingdom of Guadalupe to effectively govern its vast colony. Even so, British colonial governance was conducted in a more decentralized manner, with each colony having its own governance structure, which led to the rise of the American independence movement in the 18th century.
The origins of the Atlantic Revolution
From the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century, revolutionary waves swept across the entire Atlantic world. From the American War of Independence, to the French Revolution, to the Haitian Revolution, each revolution affected the other. These movements not only overthrew old political structures but also consolidated the idea of universal equality, paving the way for what would become globalization.
"These revolutions are not just changes in the country, but also mankind's pursuit of freedom and equality."
Conclusion
As the Atlantic world changes, countless cultures and social structures are closely intertwined, shaping today's globalization. Behind Columbus's discovery of the new world, there are deeper historical truths and social impacts. When we look back at this period of history again, can we understand that what really changed history may not be just the adventures of the explorers, but the historical connections formed by the countless human destinies and interactions behind these adventures?
