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Essay / The Columbian Exchange and Its Results
Starting in the 15th century, many countries around the world needed specific resources to prosper and create a highly developed society. However, there was no form of exchange of goods at that time. This disaster gave rise to a method of transporting assets popular among many civilizations, known as the Columbian Stock Exchange. The Columbian Exchange can best be described as the transfer of "plants, animals, and diseases across the Atlantic in both directions." Through this exchange, agriculture in both the New and Old Worlds was greatly improved through an increase in crop availability and a drastic increase in useful resources. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Colombian Stock Exchange has given many groups of people economic gain and established strong relationships with foreign countries. In an article entitled "Columbian Exchange (1492-1800)", the author expands on the impact of the exchange on food, stating that "Crosby attributes this phenomenon largely to the fact that the world's food supply increased and improved since 1492” (Crosby). With an increase in food, civilizations are better able to feed themselves. They are also able to exchange their excess food for monetary value or other needed resources. Without the creation of the Columbian Exchange, it would be much more difficult to advance a society due to the lack of food. The addition of food greatly increased society's population due to the expansion of fertile crops across the world. Civilizations were able to focus on agriculture, which was the main source of economic growth. Through the trade of animals and plants, a community is able to acquire the resources it needs while exchanging materials that are not as efficient for it. The potato was an essential commodity of the Columbian Exchange due to the high volume of nutrients and vitamins that significantly improved the health of societies. Although the exchange brought many benefits, the Europeans spread diseases to the natives, making them the most affected by the Columbian Exchange. The natives of the New World were undoubtedly the hardest hit of all the groups of people who participated. in the exchange. An article titled "The Columbian Exchange: A History of Disease, Food, and Ideas" highlighted the disastrous effect Europeans had on the natives within the exchange, stating that "Europeans brought deadly viruses and bacteria … against which the Native Americans had no immunity” (Nunn and Qian). The natives were not adaptable to combat European diseases; as a result, much of their population was wiped out. The natives also had no contact with diseases from the Old World, further illustrating the significant reduction in their population. The article then develops the origin of many European diseases, namely their strong domestication of animals. The majority of deadly diseases introduced to the New World actually came from domesticated animals. Many people today mistakenly believe that the exchange had only a positive impact; however, this is simply not true.Keep in mind: This is just a sample.Get a custom paper from our expert writers now.Get a custom essayThe Columbian Exchange has given many civilizations a greater opportunity to establish more,.