Columbus initiated a new age with his voyages to America, with trade being the foundation of change. When Columbus went to America by way of sea, he brought back many new goods that Europeans wanted or learned to desire. A hallmark of this new era included a lot of exploration and trade. Europe flourished and changed because of its curiosity for the new items introduced through trade. With trade wealth, new ideas, culture, and different foods spread throughout Europe and around the world. The seacoasts of the world became the place where different civilizations merged. The land across oceans were now linked together more closely than ever before by European shipping. This new proximity caused trade flourished. New crops and diseases spread widely. Europe prospered with this transaction of goods. People learned of new arts, metals, and especially food, all because of Columbus and trade.

Trade is an...