1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created

How does Mann’s book compare to other historical accounts of colonization and global trade? Are Mann’s theory’s outside the mainstream or reflective of it?

Was the Columbian Exchange the catalyst for a new evolutionary era—the Homogenocene? Was the Homogenocene ushered in by another historical event? Justify your reasoning.

Globalization was advantageous for some and disadvantageous for others. Do the benefits outweigh the disadvantages? Why or why not?

How does globalization continue to affect humans in the modern age? What can be done to combat the effects of ecological globalization?

Many of the historical figures in the book share common traits such as a perseverance, grit, or greed. Choose one character trait and explore its development in multiple historical figures described in the book.

Take a modern idea or object—a current event, culinary dish, plant, etc.—of the Homogenocene and trace its origins back to the Columbian Exchange.

Detail the complicated legacy of Christopher Columbus. Should Columbus be recognized, as Mann suggests, for his contributions to modern history? Why or why not?

Mann uses many accounts of individuals’ experiences throughout the book. What is the effect of these accounts? How do they contribute to the themes of the book?