Columbian Exchange Impact

In 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on the infamous voyage that accidentally landed him in what we know now as North America. His mishap has led to many of the most influential changes in history, including the transfer of many goods and ideas to the New World. Although this may seem like a good thing, the Columbian Exchange also caused mass destruction to Native American populations by introducing many diseases and causing war among them over the land. When these two previously separate worlds united, the impact was rather large. The introduction of foreign crops to the New World had a huge impact on the way we live today. Europeans adopted the cultivating techniques of many crops found in the New World such as corn, cocoa, and peanuts. They also introduced popular crops from home such as wheat, barley, and rye. They also introduced a variety of fruits to the New World, such as bananas, peaches, pears, and citruses. However, among the most impactful plants brought to the New World is sugarcane. It is necessary for obtaining sucrose, a vital part of every diet. In Europe, the crop was very difficult to raise due to the climates which made it very rare. However, once introduced to the New World, sugarcane plants thrived thanks to the plantation system. Without sugar, the way we enjoy tea,

The New World did not rely on animals as heavily. They had llamas, which could not become beasts of burden. However, Europeans introduced animals such as cattle, donkeys, chickens and horses to the land. These animals could be used for carrying loads as well as food. Because these animals were introduced to the New World, we have formulated advanced agricultural techniques to raise them for food. If they were not introduced, most people would live off of a relatively plant-based diet, thus lacking protein. Livestock is also one of the leading economical industries