For much of its history Europe was regularly on the brink of famine. This ended in large part due to:
D. Mass importation of rice from China
B. introduction of lots of new foods and crops from the Americas
C. Bigger plows pulled by bigger oxen
A. new farming methods developed by the Irish
B. introduction of lots of new foods and crops from the Americas
B. introduction of lots of new foods and crops from the Americas
The correct answer is B. The introduction of lots of new foods and crops from the Americas.
To understand why this is the correct answer, we need to look at the historical context. For much of its history, Europe faced the threat of famine due to limited agricultural practices and a lack of diverse food sources. However, the situation started to improve significantly with the discovery of the Americas and the subsequent Columbian Exchange.
The Columbian Exchange refers to the transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the Americas and the rest of the world. It was during this period that numerous new food crops were introduced to Europe, which greatly enhanced the agricultural productivity of the continent. Some examples include potatoes, tomatoes, maize (corn), cocoa, and tobacco.
These new crops provided higher yields and introduced greater diversity in the European diet. For instance, the introduction of the potato, which is highly nutritious and can be grown in a variety of climates and terrains, played a crucial role in reducing the incidence of famine. Potatoes are a calorie-rich crop that can sustain a large population, even in challenging environments.
Other crops from the Americas also contributed to improved agricultural practices. Maize, for example, became an important food staple in various parts of Europe. It grew well in different regions and could be turned into flour, which served as a reliable substitute for traditional grains like wheat or barley in times of scarcity.
By diversifying their crops and embracing the new agricultural practices brought from the Americas, Europeans were able to increase their food production and reduce the risk of famine. As a result, Europe became less dependent on a limited range of crops and agriculture improved significantly.
To summarize, the regular threat of famine in Europe came to an end, in large part, due to the introduction of new foods and crops from the Americas. These new crops increased agricultural productivity, provided nutritional variety, and played a crucial role in overcoming food shortages.