Question

Why was long distance trade in exotic goods such an important phenomenon in north america, europe, and africa?

Answer 1

Long distance trade allow each country from every corner of the world to exchange the resource in which they have a competitive advantage, with another resource that is really hard to produce in their countries. This resulted in: 
- it allowed transference of new ideas, food, animals, etc. to and from each part of the world
- helped impact the Renaissance
- supported economy
- improved societies through gain of technology/weapons/livestock
- destroyed societies through wars or disease or cultural loss