"What happens when worlds collide?" When worlds collide, there is a collision of cultures and ideas, which can lead to conflict and significant changes in society. This was evident during the age of exploration, where European countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, and England encountered indigenous people in the Americas and Africa. The European's arrival led to the spread of diseases, conflicts, and the establishment of colonies.
"Why did the French and English start colonies?" The French and English started colonies to establish trade routes and to gain economic advantages. In the early 1600s, France and England sent their explorers to establish colonies in North America. The French hoped to establish fur trading posts while the English established colonies for religious and economic reasons.
"What is the Columbian Exchange?" The Columbian Exchange refers to the exchange of goods, ideas, people, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds. The exchange started after Christopher Columbus's discovery of the Americas in 1492. The exchange introduced new crops and livestock to the Old World, such as potatoes, maize, and tomatoes, while introducing livestock, such as pigs and cows, to the New World. The exchange also brought about the spread of diseases, such as smallpox, which had a devastating impact on the indigenous population.
"Why did the spread of disease matter?" The spread of diseases mattered because it led to a significant decline in the indigenous population in the Americas. The indigenous people had no natural immunity to the European diseases, which resulted in the deaths of millions of people. The decline of the indigenous population led to labor shortages and the importation of African slaves to the Americas.
"How did the colonies compare?" The colonies in North America varied depending on the colonizing country and the geographical location. The Spanish colonies in the South and Southwest were based on extracting natural resources such as gold, silver, and agriculture, while the French colonies in Canada were based on fur trading. The English colonies in New England, the Middle colonies, and the Southern colonies were based on agriculture, fishing, and commerce. Each colony had its own unique characteristics, but they all contributed to the development of the United States.