DVD 4: Spanish Influence and Overview

Domesticated Bliss (The Story of Livestock in America)
Before Columbus, there were no large domesticated animals in the Americas. On his second voyage in 1493, Columbus brought along 10 mares, 24 stallions, burros, sheep, and a full complement of cattle and pigs. Within ten years, these animals were present in large numbers throughout the Caribbean. The introduction of this livestock insured the success of all future Spanish settlements. By the 1600’s one of the least expensive foods in America was meat. Americans have become one of the best-fed nations, which is the leading cause of immigration.

Time to Play Ketchup (The Story of the Tomato)
The Aztecs and Incas cultivated the tomato and in 1519, Hernando Cortez became the first European to see one. He sent some to the Spanish settlements in the Caribbean and from there back to Europe. In this program we find out why the tomato was readily accepted in Italy and Southern Europe but not in the north. As late as the early 19th century, the tomato was grown only in the United States as a garden curiosity. Many people believed it to be poisonous.

Connecting the Dots (An Overview of the Consuming Passions Ignited By Columbus)
This program is an overview of the series. It looks at the forces that led to the voyages of Columbus and their continuing effect on our world. It is a general synopsis of the most pertinent historical data presented in the series.