The Columbian Exchange

The Columbian Exchange was a period in time of exchanges between the old and new

worlds. It took place in the 15th and 16th centuries. The things that were exchanged were plants,

animals, food, and some diseases. The exchange transformed the cultural and social life of the

countries. The Columbian Exchange had many positive effects, like the food, as well as some

negative effects, like the diseases that were spread, but some people may say the good outweighs

the bad.

m
er as
The exchange of food was primarily the positives of the Columbian Exchange. According

co
eH w
to the article Mrs. Giese passed out, the two most important foods that came from the exchange

o.
were corn and potatoes. Mainly because of their nutritive value, inexpensive cost, and
rs e
ou urc
maintenance to grow. Corn, in particular, was not only good for eating, but people also used the

crop for various other things. The cornhusk could be woven and braided into different items.
o
aC s

Some of the items were shoes, bedding baskets, and other items. Some farmers also used it to
vi y re

feed animals. Potatoes became very popular in some nations to help fight starvation and grow the

world's population. Even the popular dessert chocolate was in the trade. There were many other
ed d
ar stu

foods, and even medicines, that had a great effect on the nations.

With every good thing, there's a catch. The Columbian Exchange brought many diseases
is

into the world, such as smallpox, influenza, typhus, measles, malaria, diphtheria, and whooping
Th

cough. Some of the diseases were deadly to the people, even though there was a bit of immunity.

But in the new world, there was no immunity, since they have not been introduced to the diseases
sh

yet. These diseases, unfortunately, took a massive toll on the new world's population. It is

estimated that the Native Americas lost 90-95 percent of its population. Rats which was less

This study source was downloaded by 100000758490943 from CourseHero.com on 05-13-2021 13:11:21 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/67066435/The-Columbian-Exchangedocx/
 useful, also spread diseases. Rats also killed existing small animals. Another disadvantage was

that slaves were brought to the west coast where they would wait to be traded for goods.Due to

the massive death toll, slaves became more popular in the Americas because there were fewer

people to do work. Overall, the Exchange was not as perfect as some people make it seem.

Many people believe that there were more positive lasting effects than negative effects of

the Columbian Exchange. If there wasn't a trade, the new world would not be as developed as it

is now. There would not be as many foods and starvation back then,and starvation wouldn't have

decreased because there wouldn't be potatoes. Also, quinine would not have came to the old

m
er as
world, which would later be used to treat malaria. Many goods from the exchange have shaped

co
eH w
the countries to the way they are now and have established a big role in the country's culture.

o.
The Columbian exchange was not perfect, but the positive effects outweigh the negative
rs e
ou urc
effects. Many people would agree with this statement. In conclusion, the exchange has made a

huge impact on many countries, and today's world would not be the same without it.
o
aC s
vi y re
ed d
ar stu
is
Th
sh

This study source was downloaded by 100000758490943 from CourseHero.com on 05-13-2021 13:11:21 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/67066435/The-Columbian-Exchangedocx/
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)