1493

 

Uncovering the New World Columbus Created

By Charles C Mann

How has the world changed since 1493? Since Columbus introduced east and west? In many deep and broad ways…

The honey bee and the earth worm are both European. How North America soil turns over is fundamentally different than 500 years ago. This used to be driven by fire, beavers and other insects. Think of beavers building ponds everywhere. Think of fires (driven by Native Americans) being lit every fall.

Slavery—Black slaves were more immune to malaria and yellow fever giving them an advantage in the south and the carribean.

The introduction of bouncing. Latex and rubber balls were first invented in South America. When Europeans first saw rubber balls it caused a small bouncing craze.

The introduction of global trade. The book has a very nuanced view on global trade. Not black or white. Of course global trade gives its partners access to economic opportunities that didn't exist before. It also upsets long standing relationships. Trade is often the tool of Governments and the elites. Global trade creates a new way for countries to interact and manipulate each other. Sometimes conflicts result.