History of Europe

What are two major impacts the Columbian exchange had on Europe?

1. Introduction of new crops: The Columbian exchange introduced a variety of new crops to Europe, including maize (corn), potatoes, tomatoes, beans, and squash. These crops became staple foods in many parts of Europe and helped to improve the diet and nutrition of the population. Maize, for example, is today a staple food in many countries around the world, and potatoes are one of the most important global vegetable crops.

2. Spread of diseases: The Columbian exchange also led to the spread of new diseases to Europe, including smallpox, measles, and influenza. These diseases had a devastating impact on the European population, killing millions of people. The impact of these diseases was particularly severe in the Americas, where the indigenous population had no immunity to them. Disease devastated and decimated many Indigenous populations throughout the Americas, leaving the European colonizers with much less resistance.