The impact
of Columbus' voyages to the Americas was massive. First of all, he showed that it was possible
to sail west from Europe across the Atlantic Ocean. This led to many more voyages of discovery
and conquest by the Spanish as well as many other European nations. While Columbus was
originally looking for routes to the Spice Islands, he quickly changed his purpose and his
subsequent voyages were more focused on conquest. With Spain snatching up new colonial holdings
in the Americas, other European powers got involved and a contest of imperialism ensued.
Columbus' voyages also led to the enrichment of Spain. In 1492, Spain had
recently been reunited after centuries of Moorish occupation. The funds that came in as a result
of Columbus' and other voyages helped quickly turn Spain into the richest power on
Earth.
For the people Columbus encountered in the Americas, the impact was
devastating. Diseases that were unintentionally introduced as well as brutal treatment and
outright conflict...
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