The Columbian Exchange

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to The Columbian Exchange, its causes, and impacts.

The Columbian Exchange

The movement of plants, animals, disease, knowledge, and culture between the "Old World" and "New World" in the centuries after 1492.

Caravel

A maritime technology improvement that aided in exploration.

Magnetic Compass

A maritime technology improvement that aided in exploration.

Sextant

A maritime technology improvement that aided in exploration.

Astrolabe

A maritime technology improvement that aided in exploration.

Joint-stock companies

Businesses in which shares of a company’s stock could be bought and sold by shareholders, leading to more organized methods for international trade.

Mercantilism

A theory that held a positive balance of trade (more exports than imports) would bring more wealth and power to a nation, motivating European powers to develop colonies from the 16th-18th centuries.

Smallpox and Measles

Diseases introduced to the Americas during the Columbian Exchange that led to widespread epidemics, decimating native populations.

Impacts on Europe (Columbian Exchange)

New crops high in nutrients stimulated population growth, and new sources of mineral wealth facilitated the shift from feudalism to capitalism.

Impacts on the Americas (Columbian Exchange)

Diseases like smallpox and measles decimated native populations, while new crops and livestock diversified Native American societies.

Impacts on Africa (Columbian Exchange)

Native American epidemics led to a labor shortage and contributed to the establishment of African slavery in the Americas.