Columbian Exchange

1. Describe the major elements of the Columbian Exchange and how it affected both Amerindians and Europeans.

Some of the major elements of the Columbian Exchange were from plants, animals, and diseases. These elements not only change this new world but made it what it is today. First the plants, there was many new food crops available in the new world that Europe didn't have. The list included: Maize, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peanuts, manioc, cacao, peppers, most beans, and squash. The Europeans brought the following to the new world: Wheat and other Eurasian grains, pears, peaches, oranges, lemon trees, chick peas, grape vines, melons, onions, radishes. So as you can see they really ended up helping each other out with new food crops. One problem that did occur was the Europeans really didn't want to risk taking a chance with these new crops. They really didn't want to change crops unless there was a big reward in the end. Through population growth, taxes and war they finally accepted them and started to plant the new crops. One of the most famous crops that was adopted was the potato. This new crop soon was used all over Europe. In a lot of Europe they were growing wheat and could only do so during certain times of the year due to the moisture. Due to this potatoes were adopted because they grow good in these climates. As for storage the potatoes were better because they really didn't store them like they did grain. This helped out the farmers because this meant that the taxes would be lower on potatoes. Another good thing about the potatoes was that when soldier came through a town they usually took a lot of the grains and didn't have time to dig up potatoes so they got left for the farmers. With these three thing combine it was enough for the farmers to adopt this new crop and really like it.

As far as animals the new world didn't have much to offer but the Europeans brought plenty. They included: Horses, pigs, sheep, goats, burros, and cattle. These animals were very hard for the new world to accept at first, they were more scared of them than anything. As time went on they were more accepted and before long became part of everyday society. Horses ended up multiplying very fast and became very plentiful and before they new it so did cattle. Along with the animals the Europeans also brought the wheel with them. The New World had the