Shortly after Christopher Columbus landed on Hispaniola, the link between the New World and the Old World solidified in relation with Europe’s desire to trade and colonize. The intermixing of these two hemispheres during this time is referred to as the Columbian Exchange. This period of drastic biological and political changes revolutionized the world and had many lasting repercussions.
One effect of the Columbian Exchange was the change in diet and agriculture. Before, Italian’s would not have tomatoes, Indians would not have chiles, Columbia would not have coffee beans, and Ireland would not have potatoes. From the Americas, tobacco, cacao, potatoes, and corn were among the crops introduced to the Old World. The New World did not have any domesticated animals
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Without immunities and under intense labor, the mortality rate was astronomical. Additionally, the roots of America’s dependence on African slaves took hold. With indigenous populations scarce combined with Europe’s lust for capital and resources, the Transatlantic Slave Trade would ensue for centuries. This drastically changed the political, social, and economic status of the emerging settlements. European nations grew very wealthy and wanted land resources in the New World; thus, they established colonies and claimed large stakes of land. Food and crops diffused globally, creating a more balanced diet and distinct regional cuisines. Lucrative exports, such as sugar, tobacco, and coffee, were very profitable and the demand was for such products introduced new adverse health effects. Based on the foundations of early mercantilism, the seeds of capitalism began to form and influence global economies and emerging governments. The Columbian Exchange was as crucial as it was destructive. This drastic change in the world had positive and negative effects that can be evident in today’s