Directions: The Columbian Exchange was named after Christopher Columbus, whose 1492 voyage finally connected the Old and New Worlds for Europeans. It had a massive impact on the lives of people across the globe. First, explain what it was and the impact it had. Then, drag and drop the images to the right to where they were prior to the Columbian Exchange.
The Columbian Exchange refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and diseases between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. It began with Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas and continued throughout the following centuries. This exchange had a profound impact on the lives of people worldwide.
The image of the tomato should be placed in the New World prior to the Columbian Exchange. Tomatoes were not originally found in Europe but were introduced to the Old World through the Columbian Exchange.
The image of the wheat should be placed in the Old World prior to the Columbian Exchange. Wheat was already a staple crop in Europe, Asia, and Africa before the encounter with the Americas.
The image of the horse should be placed in the Old World prior to the Columbian Exchange. Horses were already domesticated and widely used in Europe, Asia, and Africa prior to their introduction to the Americas.
The image of the potato should be placed in the New World prior to the Columbian Exchange. Potatoes were native to the Andean region of South America and were an important food source for indigenous peoples before being brought to Europe.
The image of smallpox should be placed in the Old World prior to the Columbian Exchange. Smallpox, along with other diseases, was brought to the Americas by European explorers and resulted in the decimation of native populations who had no immunity to these diseases.
Overall, the Columbian Exchange marked a significant turning point in global history, reshaping economies, diets, diseases, and societies on a global scale.