The Columbian Exchange - 06/13/25

Columbian Exchange

The global transfer of goods, people, plants, animals, and diseases between Europe, Africa, and the Americas

Impact on West Africa

Slave trade increased and caused a shortage of men in some areas

Why slave demand grew

More workers were needed in the New World for plantations

West African tribes

Captured people to sell into slavery as demand increased

New World products

Crops like squash, corn, pineapple, and especially tobacco

Tobacco

One of the most wanted products in Europe from the Americas

Effect on Europe

New foods changed diet and culture across Europe

European introductions

Brought animals and plants like pigs, wheat, and cattle to the Americas

Most important animal

The horse; changed how Native Americans hunted, traveled, and fought

How horses helped Natives

Gave them more mobility and power in warfare and trade

Cultural exchange

Both sides gained and lost important parts of their culture and way of life