1) The Columbian Exchange led to global changes as crops, animals, diseases, and technologies were exchanged between the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. This helped spark economic growth in Europe. 2) New wealth from colonies and overseas trade helped fuel a Commercial Revolution and the rise of capitalism in Europe. Private ownership and investment for profit replaced government control of wealth. 3) The spread of diseases like smallpox devastated native populations in the Americas. Meanwhile, colonization and the growth of slavery contributed to the rise of the Atlantic slave trade.