Columbian Exchange

Mrs. SampleSixth Grade

Social Studies

What is the Columbian Exchange?

• Trading of Culture • Named after Christopher Columbus• The Exchange of crops, good, animals, and

diseases• Began after Columbus voyage in 1492

Resource: Brainpop

• Columbian Exchangehttp://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/worldhistory/columbianexchange/

How did it begin? • Christopher Columbus arrives in the New

World in 1492.• Begins and exchange between the Old World

(Europe) and the New World (the Americas). • As the Spanish Empire spreads- the native

people begin to decline. – Indigenous population = native people

• African slaves also become part of this exchange.

What does it look like?

What was the Impact?

• Turn to some one next to you and discuss: • What are some positive impacts of the

exchange on the Natives and the Europeans? • What do you think are some of the negative

impacts?

Decline of Indigenous Population• New diseases were introduced into Latin

America by European Explorers. • This included smallpox, measles, whooping

cough, typhoid fever, and influenza. • Native Americans did not have an immunity to

these diseases and they died by the millions. • Healers did not know how to treat the

diseases.• Between 1492 and 1650, more than 80% of

Native Americans died of European diseases.

Agricultural Changes

• Brought new foods both to Europe and Latin America.

• Europe was introduced to corn, tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, squash, and cacao beans (chocolate)

• Natives were introduced to wheat, barley, sugarcane, coffee, peaches, and livestock such as pigs, sheep, and cattle.

• Farming changed in the Americas and large plantations with slave labor were started.

Introduction of the Horse• Horses changed the life of Native Americans• Horses were used for transportation and labor• Allowed for them to hunt buffalo (food

source)• Used for battle and trade• Remained the major mode of transportation

until the 20th century. • We measure engines with “horsepower”

Columbian Exchange