Sally: I totally see the benefits of global trade. I cannot imagine what our world might be like now if those exchanges had not happened.
John: Well, I get where you're coming from Sally, but let's not forget about the negative effects of globalization either. The Europeans were not the most respectful in their takeover of lands.”
Sally: Before the arrival of the Spanish in the Americas in 1492, civilizations across the two continents had massive, long-distance trade routes. The Maya, Aztec, and Mississippians traded objects like obsidian, gold, furs, and other goods. This trade brought them funds to build massive empires.
John: Yes but when the Spanish did arrive it brought along Spanish diseases and the Indigenous Americans had to work on plantations.
Sally: Global Impact positively affected China by corn making its was from North America in the 1600s.
John: However, global Impact also negatively impacted Africa. Before the 1600s Africa was originally a economic powerhouse but now Africa is known for slavery
Sally: Well what about the fact that during the 1600s and 1700s items such as silvers and other metals were traded?
John: Yes but during those times as items were traded so were diseases. Cholera, Yellow Fever and Plague are just a few.
Sally: Because of global trade in the 1600s and 1700s there is also a lot of religious diversity. Religions such as Buddhism spread because of the trading routes
John: That's true. However, because of religious diversity there is also religious discrimination. Such as to how in modern-days you may face hate because of your religion.
Sally; If you think about it, Global Trade in the 16th and 17th centuries has benefited countries with stuff like metals, furs and spices
John: Yes they did. While in return got back diseases and slavery.
Sally: We've been talking all day! But now I finally understand why global trade is both good and bad. Global trade can be positive or negative.
John: I also see how Global trade can have some benefits if you consider how many things we have now because of global trade. Let's go home.