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Columbian Exchange

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The Columbian Exchange named after Christopher Columbus happened during the 15th to 17th centuries. The explorers, settlers, and natives exchanged technology, animals, plants, and diseases among the Old World countries and the New World.
Because of their trades and exploration our country has helped become what it is today. It is a powerful, wealthy, independent nation that has given opportunity to others that settlers were able to find when they came here. We have been blessed with the technologies that were brought here. Machinery and agricultural equipment helped develop the land and feed more people. Architectural designs grew large and great cities. Domesticated farm animals allowed people to have a permanent place to live and grow their families as well as a community. Some native animals were also sent back to Europe such as the turkey and some camelids. Plant species that were traded greatly helped the European countries more than the New World settlers. Basic crops such as potatoes, corn, squash, and beans provided more food choices for the average European citizen. They also benefitted from chili peppers and cacao. This enabled them to have some spice and chocolate. Columbus only brought sugar cane over to be grown since it did not grow well there. This enhanced the American diet though not always in a good way. The diseases that were exchanged through contact devastated mainly the Native Americans who had no immunity to things like small pox and influenza. Syphilis was contracted from the natives through sexual contact and was spread through immorality even though it probably affected the innocent as well. Though there are negatives from the Columbian Exchange overall it was a blessing to those who were part of it as well as us today. (word count 289)
Bibliography:
Gray, Sarah, Malone, Cory, Ross, Sean, Ryan, Katie. “The Columbian Exchange”

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