Voyages of Discovery Lead to Exchanges of Culture

Voyages of discovery are some of the most significant events in history. The beginning of the exchange of cultures, languages, agriculture, lands and more shape the world in incredible ways. Of course, not all people are benefitted by this, such as the millions of North and South American natives who have been displaced or died from Old World plagues. However, it is impossible to imagine the world today if the Americas had not yet been discovered.

Originally, these voyages were undertaken with the goal to exploit native populations and conquer more land. This is the narrative that took place for hundreds of years. However, this led to an interconnected modern world. Without these voyages, civilization as we know now, with all its weaknesses and strengths, would not exist. I do believe we have made significant progress in improving the quality of life, government hierarchies, and in establishing basic human rights in most places in the world. This was not always the case.

Global trade has made the world a different place. A personal favorite of mine is Swiss chocolate. Somehow it just tastes creamier and purer than the chocolate we have in the United States. Chocolate originated in the Americas yet was brought over and adopted into the European culture. I say this because it is a simple joy that globalization has brought me. The world is not a perfect place. Many have been taken advantage of or their people have been wronged. We cannot always change the dark pasts we are born into, but we can take joy in the sweet things and make it our quest to improve the future for all.