What is the Columbian Exchange?

sequoianoir

The 'Columbian Exchange', a phrase and concept taken from a book written in 1972 by social historian Alfred W. Crosby. The Columbian Exchange was both biological and cultural. It revovles around Columbus, America and 1492, (and recently the 500th anniversary in 1992), and the way the world changed as a result. Plants, animals, and disease transferred between the Old and New Worlds. Amongst others, tobacco, potatoes, chocolate, corn & tomatoes came from the West to the East. In return coffee, tea and sugar went the opposite way. Oct 31 03, 10:00 AM

Aldridge

Yup - Europe gave the Americas smallpox and the common cold. The Americas gave them Syphillis in return. Of course, the food exchange was probably the most important. Nov 03 03, 5:43 PM