Columbus’s arrival launched an era of initial encounters between Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans that continued for nearly 300 years. This unit examines how these contacts began the phenomenon now known as the Columbian Exchange, profoundly altering the way of life of peoples around the globe. 
Early encounters between Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans expanded existing trade practices, uniting previously isolated regions and initiating the Columbian Exchange. More
![Drawing of Captain Cooks's visit to the village of Waimea, Atooi [Kauai]](/courses/amerhistory/images/unit2/theme2.jpg)
Initial encounters occurred over three centuries and a vast geographic region. More
A wide variety of historical records illustrate how differing experiences and expectations shaped initial encounters. More
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