Negative Effects Of The Columbian Exchange

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The Columbian Exchange took place because of exploration. Many important foods, animals, plants, and other items were introduced to the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia because of it. The exchange had both a positive effect on the world such as improving the diet and life expectancy of people throughout the world by eating potatoes and corn. And also leading to the spread of disease and the start of slavery in the Americas. Items brought from the Americas to the Old World included, pumpkins, cashews, peanuts, chocolate, vanilla, black pepper, turkey, potatoes, coffee, lettuce, pineapples, sunflowers, and cabbage. Potatoes became popular in Europe because it was easy to grow and store for long periods of time. Maze became a staple food in