Discoveries in America: Positive or Harmful for Humanity?

POSITIVE OR HARMFUL DISCOVERIES IN AMERICA FOR HUMANITY
Student's Name
Class Information
Date
Introduction
Much talk and research has been done on the topic in the United States over a long period. These discoveries are important because they were made possible by the exchanges between European explorers and the people who already lived in the Americas. Bartolomé de las Casas, a Spanish Dominican priest and scholar, wrote an influential book called "A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies," he talks more about how upsetting the events were (pg, 17). It is important to remember that Las Casas' writings only show one point of view, even though they strongly condemn the terrible things that happen to indigenous people. This discussion explores how American discoveries affected people's well-being by comparing Las Casas's literary efforts to other researchers' ideas. From the point of view of environmental determinism to the point of view of critical analysis, these experts show a wide range of points of view that shed light on how these discoveries have changed the world (pg. 20). The goal of this study project is to help the readers understand better the complicated chain of events that led to this critical period in history and to shed light on how those events still affect people today.[Manuel M. Alonzo, "From slave driver to abolitionist: bartolome de las casas on african slavery," Patristica et Mediaeualia, 2015.] [Ibid.]
Discussion
Positive Contributions
It is essential to understand the advancements produced as a result of people from the Old World and the New World coming together to gain an in-depth appreciation of the positive repercussions that occurred from the discoveries in America (pg. 21). People on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean engaged in cross-cultural dialogue, which paved the way for the exchange of cultural practices and, consequently, impacted societal norms and ways of life.[Manuel M. Alonzo, " driver to abolitionist: bartolome de las casas on african slavery," Patristica et Mediaeualia, 2015]
Exchange of Knowledge and Resources
Undoubtedly, the act of sharing information and resources proved to be beneficial. European explorers introduced a variety of novel botanical specimens, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and corn, which significantly impacted European agricultural practices (pg. 134). The phenomenon, sometimes referred to as the "Columbian Exchange," facilitated the introduction of European fauna to the Americas, resulting in significant alterations to the dietary and lifestyle practices of Native American populations.[Bartolomé D. Casas, A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies (New York: Open Road Media, 2022).]
Cultural Exchange
An interchange of cultural practices took place between the newly arrived European settlers and the native populations after the entrance of European colonists into the area (pg. 122). The cultures of the Old World and the New World significantly influenced one another through various channels, including language, religion, art, and cuisine. This interaction led to the development of a history rich in variety and has tremendous cultural significance, and it has influenced communities worldwide.[Ibid.]
Scientific...