The Columbian Exchange and African Slavery In the New World

The Columbian Exchange was a sea trade connecting the “Old World” and the “New World”. In a cycle called the “Triangle of Trade”, goods were exchanged between Europe and Africa, Africa and the Americas, and the Americas to Europe.

The Triangle of Trade

From Africa to the west went horses, goats, pigs, and some manufactured goods. From the Americas to the east went squash, maize, beans, and potatoes. But... food and animals were not the only thing traded across the Atlantic. People, diseases, and weapons were also exchanged.

Slavery Becomes a Business

Impact of the Columbian Exchange Europeans introduced new diseases to the Americas leading to the depopulation of several cultures. Europeans introduced new diseases to the Americas leading to the depopulation of several cultures. African slaves were brought in to take the place of native laborers who died from European diseases. African slaves were brought in to take the place of native laborers who died from European diseases. Circulation of crop varieties and livestock led to increases in population in both regions. Circulation of crop varieties and livestock led to increases in population in both regions. –Maize, tomatoes and potatoes were introduced to Europe and became important crops. –Europeans introduced peanuts and manioc to West Africa and Southeast Asia. Helps us understand most of the changes in the world today with regard to lifestyles, food, diseases and the downfall and flourishing of various cultures and nations Helps us understand most of the changes in the world today with regard to lifestyles, food, diseases and the downfall and flourishing of various cultures and nations