Short-term Effects

Columbus' trips to the West Indies allowed for the Columbian Exchange to occur. 

For Columbus and Spain

The immediate impact of Columbus' trip across the Atlantic was to give Spain control of a vast new territory with seemingly limitless resources. This put Spain on the same level as Portugal in regards to who was now a world power. Spain now had access to resources that were never before seen in Europe. Things like pumpkins, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, tobacco, and turkey made their way to Europe through Spain. The tobacco trade became especially fruitful for the Spanish after Europeans became addicted to the new plant.

For Columbus, his so-called discovery gave him the fame and fortune he so desired. He was able to make three other trips to explore the West Indies and South America. Columbus was appointed Governor of the Indies, but the duties took a great physical toll on Columbus. He suffered from lingering conditions like arthritis and faced a rebellion by colonists in Hispaniola. The Spanish investigated Columbus who was arrested and stripped of his title of Governor. He was shown to have used intimidation tactics on his colonists and workers. Eventually the king dropped the charges against Columbus and allowed him to sail again.

On the Arawak

The Arawak had a much different experience upon Columbus' arrival than the sailor did. According to Columbus' journal, the encounter began with him showering the Arawak with gifts like glass, read beads, and red strings. He also showed them his swords and other weapons. Eventually, however, the Arawak were exploited by Columbus and his men. Many were taken into slavery, some were sent to Spain to be shown off, and others were killed as the colonization of their territory continued. Since Columbus believed there was gold on the islands, he sent the natives to search for it. If they returned with no gold, he often made an example of them by chopping off various body parts. Many Arawak suffered with the influx of European diseases, as they had no immunities against smallpox, measles, malaria, and the like.

Indirect Effects

Columbus' actions in the New World led to many other things that he himself had little to do with. These indirect consequences, however, had a great impact on the New and Old Worlds. Many other nations like the English, French, and Dutch began to sail West in order to gain access to the new resources. This allowed the Columbian Exchange to expand beyond Spain and help alter the lifestyles and cultures of other nations.

Columbus' voyage also had many negative indirect consequences. The expansion and growth of the African slave trade can partly be traced back to Columbus. As the Arawak were dying out, the Spanish went elsewhere to bring in slaves, including Africa. Additionally, many of the local tribes were completely wiped out by the Europeans and their diseases.

Works Cited:
Biography.com: http://www.biography.com/people/christopher-columbus-9254209
The Journal of Christopher Columbus.