How did gold and silver impact the new world in the columbian exchange?

Answer 1

Gold and silver significantly impacted the New World during the Columbian Exchange by driving European exploration, colonization, and exploitation of resources. The discovery of vast quantities of precious metals, particularly in places like Mexico and Peru, fueled the Spanish economy and led to the establishment of a global trade network. This influx of wealth not only enriched European powers but also contributed to the transatlantic slave trade and the devastating effects on Indigenous populations through violence and disease. Ultimately, the quest for gold and silver reshaped societies, economies, and cultures across continents.