Using the below map, explain what the Columbian Exchange was and provide at least one positive and one negative exchange that took place. (Answer should be 3-5 sentences in length).
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Sentence 1: The Columbian Exchange was the….
Sentence 2: One positive item exchanged was ____________ because…
Sentence 3: One negative item exchanged was ____________ because…
The Columbian Exchange was the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Western Hemisphere (the Americas) and the Eastern Hemisphere (Europe, Africa, and Asia) following Christopher Columbus's exploration of the Americas in 1492.
One positive item exchanged was maize (corn) because it became a staple crop in Europe, Africa, and Asia, leading to increased agricultural productivity and improved nutrition for those populations.
One negative item exchanged was diseases, particularly smallpox, because it had devastating effects on the indigenous populations of the Americas, who had no immunity to these new diseases brought by Europeans. This resulted in a significant decline in the native population.