Effects Of The Columbian Exchange

Prior to Columbus’ arrival to the Americas, many of the early settlers migrated south and developed advanced civilizations such as the Incas in Peru, the Aztecs in Mexico, and the Mayas in Central America. It wasn’t until 1492 that Columbus sailed the ocean blue and landed on the Americas thinking he had arrived in the Indies. This landing was revolutionary. Despite the continued subjugation of native peoples, Columbus’ discovery of America marked a drastic turning point in the global economy and society through the introduction of the Columbian Exchange to the deaths of Native Americans and increased competition for New World land holdings among the Europeans.

Before the arrival of Columbus to the America's, native peoples were already being

Columbus’ discovery joined both North and South America with Europe in trading. However, the colliding of the Old and New World led to drastic effects on both worlds. The trading between these continents was called the Columbian Exchange. The Columbian Exchange was the transfer of germs, livestock, and plants between America and Europe. Europe provided the market, capital, and technology, Africa provided the labor (slaves), and the Americas provided raw materials. Diseases such as smallpox, malaria, and yellow fever moved from Europe to North America. The Native Americans had no immunities built up to these diseases and consequently died in the millions. Due to the lack of immunities, within 10 years of the Columbian Exchange, 90% of the Native Americans had perished due to the diseases. On the other hand, new crops were being exchanged as part of the Columbian Exchange. Corn, potatoes, tobacco, beans, peppers, pumpkin, and squash were moved the the New World to the Old World. From the Old World came sugar cane, apples, cabbage, and carrots going into America. Europe also brought new livestock such as horses, pigs, and cows to North and South America. This shows the momentous effects that Columbus’ discovery