Colonialism

In the 16th century, colonists followed European explorers, building settlements in the Americas and Asia.

The Europeans had a great impact on native cultures. Cultures as diverse as the Aztecs of Mexico, the Inuits of the far north and the Polynesians of the South Sea were permanently altered with the arrival of Europeans.

Some cultures completely vanished. Half a century after Columbus landed in Hispaniola, its entire native population had been wiped out.

Millions of natives of Central and South America were killed, died during forced labor, or fell victim to diseases that were deadly to them.

Because Native Americans were unable to bear the demands of slavery, black slaves were imported from Africa

Colonialism had an impact on both Europe and its colonies.

Ports such as Lisbon flourished as centers of trade, where commodities, such as spices, from all over the world, were sold.

The financial centers of Europe had to deal with an influx of gold and silver from the Americas.

Tobacco addiction spread from the Western Hemisphere to the East, while alcohol addiction spread from Europe to America.

In the Far East, wealthy Europeans were carried in sedan chairs that were designed in the local style. In Brazil, African servants dressed in European fashions.

European languages - English, Spanish and Portuguese - spread around the globe.

The introduction of the horse had a profound effect on the indigenous people of the Americas.