Columbus and the Taino Began traveling to find a shorter trade route to the Indies After first trip, Columbus made 3 more trips to the Americas – On these trips, Spain wanted: The riches of the land To start a colony in the West Indies – Columbus brought people and animals to the new land on these trips

Columbian Exchange Because of Columbus taking these trips, the Columbian Exchange emerged – The Columbian Exchange was a movement of people, animals, plants, diseases, and ways of life between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres Many Europeans brought horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs to the Western Hemisphere The Eastern Hemisphere also enjoyed new foods from the Americas, such as corn, potatoes, tomatoes, cocoa, and beans.

Columbian Exchange continued… Europeans also brought disease germs to Americas – These germs caused the death of many Native Americans

Impact of Columbus Voyage Columbus showed Europeans the way to the Americas Many European explorers followed Columbus in search of land and riches. Some even conquered mighty empires of the native people to find them. These trade routes left a lasting connection between the Easter and Western Hemisphere

Effect on Spain Established colonies and built profitable settlements – They began plantations and mines The profits from these helped make Spain one of the richest and most powerful countries in the world during the 1600s.