The Exciting Journey of the Columbian Exchange

What were the major items exchanged during the Columbian Exchange?

A. Spices and silk

B. Potatoes and maize

C. Cotton and tobacco

Answer:

B. Potatoes and maize

The Columbian Exchange was an incredible journey of trade and exchange of goods, plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World and the New World. One of the major items exchanged during this period were potatoes and maize. These two crops played a significant role in shaping the diets and agriculture of various regions around the globe.

Maize, also known as corn, was originally cultivated by Indigenous peoples in the Americas. It quickly spread to other parts of the world through the Columbian Exchange, becoming a staple crop in many cultures. Potatoes, another important crop, were introduced to Europe by the Spanish explorers and became a crucial food source for the growing population.

The exchange of potatoes and maize had a lasting impact on global agriculture and cuisine. It provided new sources of nutrition, improved food security, and contributed to population growth in different regions. The Columbian Exchange truly transformed the way people lived and ate across the world.