smallpox
A deadly disease introduced to the Americas by Europeans that caused widespread mortality among indigenous populations.
horse
An animal introduced by Europeans that greatly transformed transportation and hunting practices among Native American tribes.
conquistadores
Spanish explorers and conquerors who led expeditions to conquer indigenous lands in the Americas for Spain.
maize
A staple crop originating in the Americas, essential for food security and agricultural practices.
cacao
A crop native to the Americas, whose beans were used to make chocolate and became valuable in European markets.
okra
A vegetable introduced to the Americas from Africa, becoming an important part of Southern U.S. cuisine.
rice
A staple food originating in Africa and Asia that was cultivated in the Americas, contributing to dietary changes.
sugarcane
A tropical crop cultivated extensively in the Americas, leading to the establishment of plantation economies.
creole
A language and cultural blend of European and African elements developed in the Americas, reflecting the African presence.
gumbo
A dish with roots in African cuisine, showcasing the fusion of flavors and cooking styles in the Southern U.S.
Columbian Exchange
The extensive transfer of goods, crops, and diseases between the Americas and the Eastern Hemisphere following European exploration.
transatlantic slave trade
The brutal trade network that forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas for slave labor.
engenhos
Large-scale sugar plantations in Portuguese Brazil, central to the economy and reliant on enslaved labor for production.
cash crop
Agricultural products grown primarily for profit, significantly shaping economies in the Americas and Europe.
African Diaspora
The dispersal and cultural blending of African peoples as a result of slavery in the Americas, leading to significant cultural impacts