The Columbian Exchange

The Columbian ExchangeWidespread transfer of animals,

plants, culture, human populations, diseases, technology, and ideas between the Old World and New World

Positive Impacts of CE?Introduction of new crops to both the New

and Old World that improve dietsIntroduction of animals to the New World –

helped with farming, better food source, and travel

New technology – exchanging of weaponsNew government systems introducedIncreased global trade network

Negative Impacts of CE?Epidemics - Diseases that devastated the

human population in New World (smallpox, flu, measles)

Diseases that devastated animal populations in New World

Infestation of animals – rats, ants, sand fleesUse of slave labor in the New World

Encomienda system – using natives as slave labor in the new world

Eventually have to switch to using Africans as slave labor

Feelings of racism – Europeans feel like they are the better race so it is ok to use natives and Africans as labor