1492 Essay, Research Paper

When Columbus’ exploration led to the finding of the Americas it was described as the event with one of the greatest impacts in history. The main forces behind this impact are the field of technology, advances in science and medicine and agriculture. When European exploration led to the founding of Americas a great deal of work was done in astronomy. Of course this was because it was a necessity for navigation. This influenced the Europeans to take a step further and develop studies and ways by means of further and deeper exploration. Calenders were used for a reliable source of time. Technology of construction was excelled. Europeans were able to build ships durable to navigate the seas, but light enough to explore coastal waters. The level of craftsmanship of residential units had been achieved. Basic residential units were elaborated on and considered elite. Indian tools and crafts were advanced. This was from the introduction of metals. Indians used this for paintings, technical superiority and jewellery. Weapons were also made. New technologies are often accepted more readily when traditional concepts are breaking down. These technologies were accepted and were of great significance to the Indians and Europeans. It was often said that when Columbus landed in the new world on 12 October 1492 more native north Americans died each year from infectious diseases brought by the European settlers than were born. This led to depopulation and an ill society. Indians became so ill that they couldn’t harvest their fields and became depressed and suicidal. With mainly the whole population of the tribes ill, medicines and remedies were created. The Indians tried everything to get their people healthy. Nothing can be said if it succeeded but this led to further investigation of medicine. And it also led to emigration to other countries. It was of great significance to the Indians and Europeans.

Another area in which the Indians thrived was that of agriculture and their understanding of the earth. Agriculture served as the material foundation for the natives. Within the Europeans, cultures such as the Aztecs flourished in agriculture. The Aztecs incorporated such farming methods as fertilizers, irrigation, a cycle of crop rotation and rest for the fields. All of these methods are still used today. Indians took on to this and their crops grew outstandingly. These methods served the Indians and were most desirable. The Indians took a feeling of inferiority as they watched their society crumble. The destruction of native life would have made it difficult for future generations to maintain their life. Columbus’ exploration and founding of this new world was a powerful incentive and significant to human survival.