Discuss The Causes Of The Columbian Exchange

In 1492, Christopher Columbus and his crew of sailors washed ashore on the Bahamas, thinking they had discovered a “new world,” they proudly claimed ownership for the Spanish monarchy. However, Columbus made a wrong distinction when calling the land a “New World.” According to Vigil in “From Indians to Chicanos,”
European exploration of the Caribbean region had begun with Columbus’s voyage in 1492, and his discovery was not so much of a New World but of contact between two worlds that were already very old. There were many sources of conflict. Some caused more friction than others, yet in one way or another all reflect the results of Spanish-Indian contact.
After the arrival of Columbus’ in the Americas, the plant, animal, and bacterial life
of the two worlds began to mix. This came to be known as the Columbian Exchange. It had a radical and lasting effect on the world we know today. These biologically distant lands instantly began to interchange. The American population was vastly introduced to new diseases. The results became very alarming and began to raise questions about the Spanish. However, both populations did gain positive resources. They were popularized to new livestock, pets, food, fiber crops, and much more. The exchange of foods helped improve diets and it cultivated trade.
As discussed in our first lecture, the first inhabitants of the Americas arrived walking across the Bering land bridge about 20,000 years ago.
They brought a few diseases over with them, but since they had spent many years in the cold while crossing over, it eliminated many of the diseases-causing agents that they may have had in their immune system. For this reason the first Americans, and their later generations, enjoyed freedom from infections that had already plagued populations of African and Europe. As the Columbian Exchange began to make its course Asia and Africa had already received new diseases spread by cattle, sheep, and
pigs. In the year 1492, after the arrival of Columbus, sailors unknowingly introduced: smallpox, typhus, measles, typhoid fever, and diphtheria to the Americas. People from Africa and Asia had already developed some immunities, but that, however, was not the same case for the Americas. This caused a high mortality rate within the Native Americans. It was noticed that certain calpullis lost 80 percent of their people through disease (Citation). On the opposing side of the spectrum, flowing west to east, Europe and Africa only came into contact with few diseases from the Americans such as syphilis.
Nevertheless, Europe sent much more than just diseases.
Europe imported crops and domesticated animals which greatly impacted regions economic, biological, and social balance. It began with the introduction of wheat, rye, and barley. Along with the grains they also introduced plantation crops such as sugar, citrus fruits, and bananas. When the growth of these crops first began, they grew poorly, but as time progressed they flourished in the area. Although the Americas may have been flourishing in crops, it did not do the Spanish any good if there were no people to harvest it. Since much of the native population was already gone, this brought up the use of slavery. Aside from crops, the Europeans also exported animals into the Americas. One of the most popular animals among them was the horse. When the natives first came into contact with this animal they were afraid, however, they quickly learned how to raise and ride horses themselves. Sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs also proved to be popular in the Americas. With the reliance on imported domesticated animals, many new dishes and flavors emerged
(Citation). The America’s greatly contributed to the cuisine of particular areas of Europe. Some of the most important crops that were sent to Europe were maize – corn, potatoes, and various beans and squashes. Maize was a major staple throughout the area of Europe. They produced great yields of this crop. As discussed in our lecture based on the Columbian exchange, mass productions of corn were made, as well is it being fed to the people, it was also distributed among the animals. This increased the number of animals and allowed the population to increase their meat intake. Other crops thrived as well, such as the potato in Ireland. Without the Columbian trade, Ireland would have never come in contact with this crop. In terms of animals, America introduced very few animals, such as the llama, alpaca, and guinea pig. The start of the Columbian Exchange, began the intertwining of two very old countries. Through their connection they interchanged diseases, food, and animals. It brought the death of many Native Americans and increased food types and quantities. This was the beginning of syncretic development among the Spanish and the natives in the Americas.