4.3 Columbian Exchange

Columbian Exchange

The transfer of new diseases, food, plants, and animals between the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

Causes of the Columbian Exchange

The momentous contact between the New World and the Old World that the Columbian Exchange began to occur.

Effects of the Columbian Exchange

Disease (Vectors) such as Malaria, Measles, and Smallpox. It is referred to as the Great Dying by the native population.

Exchange of food. Europeans brought wheat, grapes, and olives. However, they also brought Asian and African foods such as bananas and sugar. Going to Europe, they brought back maize, potatoes, and manioc. Diets were diversified and led to a healthier population, leading to significant population growth because of longer lifespans for the Europeans.

Animals. Europeans brought pigs, sheep, and cattle. Due to the lack of natural predators, theses animals multiplied quickly and created the foundation for future ranching economies.

On the downside, all these new animals also caused some dire environmental consequences that put significant strains on indigenous farmers. Erosion and overgrazing became a problem. Horses were great for the indigenous.

Cash Cropping

A method of agriculture in which food is grown primarily for export to other places.