Essays On The Columbian Exchange

The Columbian Exchange was a period of extensive ecological, biological, and cultural exchange between the Eastern and Western hemispheres. Starting with Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1492, the Columbian Exchange drastically altered global ecosystems by introducing introduced species from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean into new environments. This period accelerated globalization processes and allowed different cultures to interact directly for the first time. Before this era began, most people were unable to travel long distances due to limited technology. However, European explorers brought their knowledge, goods and products from Europe to other continents that had never seen them before; thus beginning The Great Exchange of People, Plants, Animals – also known as The Columbian Exchange. As these items traveled around the world they created an entirely new concept called Globalization – exchanging foods, animals and culture all over the globe. The most important aspect of this movement is that it enabled cultural contact between two previously isolated groups- Native Americans and Europeans- which shaped societies on both sides forever. In terms of food crops, some examples include potatoes being introduced in Europe while corn came to South America via trade routes established by Spanish settlers. Other staples include tomatoes going from Mexico to Italy while squash moved Northwards towards what is now Canada & USA making up part of today’s American diet . Additionally rapadura (a type of sugar) spread from Brazil throughout Latin America allowing people in rural areas access sweet treats without having too much cost or difficulty obtaining it . Another big introduction was coffee coming from Ethiopia eventually becoming a vital commodity for many countries who relied on it as an export item or domestic beverage choice like Colombia ” where production has become a major industry locally). In addition to food crops being exchanged across oceans during this time period , livestock such as horses , pigs , cows goats & sheep were also imported/exported creating vast changes in how communities operated worldwide especially when it comes down agriculture related activities which became more productive with better yields thanks interchange taking place . These animals provided sources protein along with dairy products at times when local resources may have been scarce or not available . Allowing populations grow rapidly since there was something else besides plants providing nourishment . Apart from plants & animals crossing boundaries be transported through ships livestock diseases also made their way through ports causing massive death tolls among native peoples who did not have immunity built up against illnesses like smallpox measles etcEuropeans often blamed natives for bringing disease instead acknowledging that introduction foreign organisms can cause havoc unless handled properly (which wasn’t case here ). Finally another major factor contributing globalization process during Columbia exchange would be slave trade”where millions African slaves were taken away their homeland forcibly shipped off tropical regions work plantations primarily producing sugarcane cotton tobacco rice etc…This weaved together multiple nations creating complex networks commerce political relationships alliances rivalries etc..that still exist today.