The Columbian Exchange: A Historical Account of the Widespread Exchange of Items and Diseases Between the Old and New Worlds

Columbian Exchange, from _______ to ________: smallpox, livestock (pigs, cows, sheep), bees, bananas, coffee, sugar

Columbian Exchange, from “Old World” to Americas

The Columbian Exchange is a term used to describe the widespread exchange of animals, plants, culture, human populations, technology and ideas between the New World (America) and the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) following the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492.

The exchange took place from the late 15th century to the early 16th century. During this time, numerous items were exchanged, including smallpox, livestock such as pigs, cows and sheep, bees, bananas, coffee, and sugar.

Smallpox was one of the most significant diseases that spread as a result of the Columbian Exchange. It is estimated that up to 90% of the Native American population was wiped out following the arrival of Europeans carrying smallpox. The exchange of livestock had a major impact on both the Old and New Worlds. Animals such as pigs brought by the Europeans helped to support the growing populations by providing a much-needed source of protein. In exchange, American crops such as maize (corn), potatoes and tobacco revolutionized European agriculture.

Other items exchanged as part of the Columbian Exchange include bees, which were brought from Europe to America, and bananas, which were brought from Africa to the Caribbean. Coffee, which is native to Ethiopia, was first introduced to the New World by Europeans. Sugar was brought from the Old World to the New and soon became a dominate crop in the Caribbean and South America, along with other food crops such as rice, wheat and barley.

The Columbian Exchange had far-reaching effects on both the Old and New Worlds, with significant impacts on economics, culture, society, and the environment.

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