Question

Examine the outcome of the geographical discoveries.

Answer 1

1. The geographical discoveries transformed the European understanding of the world.
2. As a result of the discovery of new lands and new sea routes, the economic centre of Europe shifted from the Italian city states to Spain and Portugal.
3. Both Spain and Portugal established colonies that led to their economic prosperity.
4. Spanish discovery of the New World led to the conquest of Mexico and South America.
5. Plants such as maize, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pineapple, beans and cocoa, and animals such as turkey and guinea pigs, were transported from America into Europe.
6. From Europe, sugarcane, wheat, rice, horses, cattle, sheep and goats were sent to America.
7. But the deadly diseases affected the natives of America annihilating them totally.
8. This resulted in slave trade and Africa started having strong slave market.
9. The triangular trade flourished.
10. Geographical discoveries led to commercial revolution which resulted in the emergence of Banking, joint-stock companies and growth of trade.

Answer 2

The geographical findings changed the European worldview. World map redrawing followed. The discovery of fresh territories and shipping connections changed Europe's economic centre from Italy to Spain and Portugal. Spanish and Portuguese colonies boosted their economies.

New World discovery led to the Spanish conquest of Mexico and South America. Spanish conquistadors eliminated the locals and colonized the area after Columbus' mission. After conquering the locals, they violently killed them and forced them to work in gold and silver mines and plantations. Spanish genocide comprised massacre, slavery, and cultural devastation of Indians. Many Indians died from colonizer-brought pandemic diseases.