Compare And Contrast The Economic And Environmental Effects Of The Columbian Exchange

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The Columbian Exchange is often remembered as a trade system that brought the New World and the Old World together. In 1492, the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus sailed for Spain and discovered the New World horizon. This caused the worlds to come together economically and culturally all to the greed of wealth. Unfortunately, one negative consequence is the disease and the devastation of indigenous and African demographics. Meanwhile, Europe’s economy and population flourished because of the Columbian Exchange. The agriculture, disease, and livestock of the Columbian Exchange established the growth and impact in Europe between 1550 through 1700. With the introduction of crops that could grow in uninhabitable areas, the consequences of disease, and animals that provide more food, the growing demand of goods from the New World resulted in the flourishing of Europe. The agriculture from the New World provided Europe with many opportunities. In Ireland, potatoes were essential resources. In addition to being versatile, potatoes and corn, as well as several other plants, could grow in areas that were …show more content…

With the introduction of horses, pigs, and cattle, numerous native species of the Americas died. The Old World’s introduction of animals also destroyed a lot of land. On the other hand, pigs and cattle became major food sources for the colonists. Since the colonists had many available food sources, the population grew again. Pigs could reproduce quickly and be fed nearly anything. Cattle had many purposes. They were a food source, were able to do some work on farms, and their hides were sold to Europeans. In addition, the introduction of horses worked to the European and natives’ favor. Horses made work easier and faster, which was beneficial to Europeans who owned plantations. The trade and introduction of livestock created the rise of populations and a growing