The immediate impact of Columbus' trip across the Atlantic was to give Spain control of a vast new territory with seemingly limitless resources.

<h3>What are the short-term consequences of Columbus' voyages in both Europe and the America?</h3>

Spain was on the same level as Portugal in implication to who now had a world power. Access to resources that were never before seen in Europe was there for Spain. Things like potatoes, pumpkins, corn, tobacco, tomatoes and turkey were taken to Europe by Spain.
After Europeans became addicted to the new plant, the tobacco trade was fruitful for the Spanish
The fame and fortune had been earned by Columbus from his so-called discovery, he so desired. He also explored the West Indies and South America.
Columbus was even appointed as the Governor of the Indies, where the duties took a great physical toll on him.
He suffered from arthritis and faced a rebellion by colonists in Hispaniola.
He got arrested and stripped of his title of Governor when the Spanish investigated Columbus. Because of his use of intimidation tactics on his colonists and workers.
The charges against Columbus were dropped by the king and was allowed to sail again.