Was the discovery of America a blessing or a curse to mankind?
Introduction
The discovery of the America’s has often been viewed as a curse. This is because of the observation that it resulted in various ills including slavery and spread of diseases and epidemics that led to wiping out of indigenous communities of the Americas. As a result of the discovery, the need to settle excessive populations in Europe was effectively resolved, however, the settlers not only needed to acquire the most arable lands of the Americas but also brought with them foreign diseases like measles that were responsible for the deaths of millions of the natives. Moreover, there was a need for slaves to work in the plantations set up by the settlers and this fuelled the transatlantic slave trade. However, regardless of the various challenges that were brought by the discovery of the Americas, it can be considered as a blessing given the numerous contributions it has made to humanity throughout the globe.
Discussion
One of the key aspects that make the discovery of the Americas a blessing to humankind regards the role the United States of America has played in the development and advancement of democracy (Barkun, 142). Despite its economy having relied on slavery and slave trade at one point, the United States was founded on democratic principles and has championed democracy and human rights throughout the globe. Thus the United States has contributed immensely in bringing about democracy in various parts of the globe through the financing of movements seeking to change systems of governance from dictatorial leadership to democratic leadership as seen in the role it takes in ensuring free and fair elections, as well as upholding the right to vote in different nations.
Secondly, as a blessing to human kind, the discovery of the Americas has seen the United States has played a major role in ensuring peace throughout the g lobe. This can be observed in the role that the country ha s played in the fight against terrorism, as well resolving conflicts in various parts of the globe (Gbote and Selaelo, 9). A case in point regards the role the US played in combating Al Qaeda and other militant groups including ISIL.
Lastly, the other reason why the discovery of the Americas is regarded as a blessing regards the observation that the United States has played a key role in scientific discoveries and researches aimed at improving human life. Amongst the major discoveries include travelling to the moon and development of drugs and vaccines for treating and preventing diseases. For instance, the United States through research carried out by the US army was able to develop vaccine for influenza virus at a time when influenza was killing millions of individuals globally (Medhurst, 107).
Conclusion
Regardless of the initial experiences that occurred following the discovery of Americas including slavery, disease and civil wars, Americas, and particularly the United States has played major roles in improving human life. Ranging from contribution to the global peace and democracy to development of medicines and vaccines, Americas has continued to enhance human life. This, therefore, makes it more of a blessing to humankind than a curse to the species.