The Columbian Exchange is the movement of people, animals, plants, technology, and ideas. Christopher Columbus inadvertently began this movement when he landed in the Americas in 1492. Europe became extremely powerful in the world during the Columbian Exchange. The primary positive effect was an increased food supply and increased nutrients in both populations. Europe may have benefited more because potatoes and corn were introduced in the continent causing an improved diet and lower food costs. This led to a longer life expectancy in the continent and lowered infant mortality rates. A population boom had begun and became a big factor in the Industrial Revolution down the road. The precious metals that were collected, such as gold, helped greatly
…show more content…
Biological trade between these two continents included plants, animals, and diseases. Some foods like chocolate, tomatoes, potatoes, and corn were never seen in Europe before 1492. Even the grass species originally native to the Americas was overrun by a European grass species. Horses were also introduced into Europe after this Biological trade with the Natives. European missionaries came to the Americas to persuade Natives to accept Christianity. The real motivation behind this was “God, Glory, Gold”. As the Europeans made great discoveries, they virtually demolished and obliterated these immensely beautiful cultures and civilizations. Disease is the single largest factor that demolished the Native civilizations. Before the Europeans came to the Americas, there were no epidemic diseases in the Americas. When Columbus set foot in the Americas it radically altered the composition of the world population. Ecological Imperialism is more powerful than any kinds of military superiority and is what really wins out in the Americas. The accidental or deliberate introduction of foreign biological entities brought along disease that wiped out nearly 90% of all Native population. Overall, the Europeans gained nearly all the positive aspects of coming to America. They increased food supply, lowered food costs, lowered death rates and these all led to an increased
Biological trade between these two continents included plants, animals, and diseases. Some foods like chocolate, tomatoes, potatoes, and corn were never seen in Europe before 1492. Even the grass species originally native to the Americas was overrun by a European grass species. Horses were also introduced into Europe after this Biological trade with the Natives. European missionaries came to the Americas to persuade Natives to accept Christianity. The real motivation behind this was “God, Glory, Gold”. As the Europeans made great discoveries, they virtually demolished and obliterated these immensely beautiful cultures and civilizations. Disease is the single largest factor that demolished the Native civilizations. Before the Europeans came to the Americas, there were no epidemic diseases in the Americas. When Columbus set foot in the Americas it radically altered the composition of the world population. Ecological Imperialism is more powerful than any kinds of military superiority and is what really wins out in the Americas. The accidental or deliberate introduction of foreign biological entities brought along disease that wiped out nearly 90% of all Native population. Overall, the Europeans gained nearly all the positive aspects of coming to America. They increased food supply, lowered food costs, lowered death rates and these all led to an increased