Summary and Review

The Atlantic World from 1492 to 1650 marks the beginning of globalization, driven by European exploration and colonization, particularly by Spain and Portugal. Columbus's voyages ignited rivalries among European powers, leading to the establishment of colonies and the exploitation of native populations, who faced devastating losses due to disease and violence. The Portuguese initiated the Atlantic slave trade, while Spanish conquests in the Americas, led by figures like Cortés and Pizarro, resulted in significant territorial gains and cultural exchanges. The Protestant Reformation further complicated religious dynamics, influencing colonial ambitions. The Columbian Exchange transformed economies and societies on both sides of the Atlantic, introducing new crops and livestock while devastating indigenous populations with diseases.