During the Age of Discovery, which lasted from the 15th to the 18th century, a period of globalization began as well as new cultures were transmitted to the native people. In addition, the natives were exposed not only to new ideas but also to products which were brought by the colonists. They started exchanging goods such as animals, plants, food and tobacco. As a result, a time of colonialism and mercantilism developed in the newly discovered lands.
It is important to state the Europeans engaged in the slave trade as they brought African slaves from their continent to the new lands in America. This led to the propagation of diseases among the natives which resulted on the death of thousands of them. Besides, native populations were often enslaved and exploited by the European colonists as a result of its dominance.
Another important event concerning the Age of Discovery was the spread of Christianity in the new world which was the consequence of a hard missionary activity among the natives.
