The Columbian Exchange: The Americas And Europe

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The Columbian Exchange affected Europe and The Americas similarly between 1492 and 1750 because of the exchange of new plants and animals, but some environmental and demographic impacts on The Americas and Europe were opposite from each other, with Europe benefiting from new crops and The Americas suffering from disease and deforestation.
One similarity in the effects The Americas and Europe saw during the Columbian Exchange was an introduction of new plants and animals between both worlds. In regards to plants, The Americas were introduced to plants such as sugar cane, bananas, and onions, while Europe was introduced plants such as corn, potatoes, and vanilla. In regards to animals, The Americas were introduced to animals such as cattle, sheep, and horses, whereas Europe was introduced to animals such as turkeys. …show more content…

Demographically, the Columbian Exchange allowed for a major population increase in Europe, but killed many natives of The Americas. As a result of crops such as potatoes and corn being introduced to Europe due to the Columbian Exchange, European population increased because the food supply increased. In contrast, Native American population decreased drastically due to the unintentional introduction and spread of diseases such as smallpox. Environmentally, the Columbian Exchange allowed European farmers to grow new crops, but led to major deforestation in The Americas. As a result of new crops such as corn and potatoes being introduced to Europe, farmers are able to grow more food of greater diversity. In The Americas, the Europeans destroyed forests and accidentally introduced weeds that quickly outcompeted their native neighbors, ruining the American