Columbian Exchange

Question

1) What is the Columbian Exchange?

2) Why is the Columbian Exchange important to American history?

3) What should schools teach students about the Columbian Exchange?

Answer 1

The Columbian Exchange is significant because it was the exchange of goods, ideas, diseases, etc. between Native Nations and European explorers/settlers. The importance was in the impact of this contact on both the new world and the old world. For instance, the potato which traveled from the Americas to Europe helped to feed the population of many European nations, leading to a population explosion, as well as a steady food source, which allowed Europe to develop industrially. Meanwhile, the horse, introduced by the Spanish, allowed Native Nations to follow the Buffalo herds much more easily forever changing the lives of tribes on the Great Plains.

Obviously, this contact was important for both the short- and long-term changes to Europe and the Americas. This exchange would eventually become triangular trade in the era of mercantilism. A middle passage would bring enslaved peoples to America changing the economy, social hierarchy, and politics of what would become the United States.

Yes, this subject should be taught to helps students better understand how America, Europe, and global trade developed over time.