The Columbian Exchange. Intro The "Columbian Exchange"—a phrase coined by historian Alfred Crosby—describes the interchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World and the Americas following Columbus's arrival in the Caribbean in 1492. For reasons beyond human control, rooted deep in the divergent evolutionary histories of the continents, the Columbian Exchange massively benefited the people of Europe and its colonies while bringing catastrophe to Native Americans. Why Should I Care? The Columbian Exchange: It's a relatively obscure concept, developed by a relatively obscure historian.
The Columbian Exchange explains why Indian nations collapsed and European colonies thrived after Columbus's arrival in the New World in 1492. The Columbian Exchange explains why European nations quickly became the wealthiest and most powerful in the world. The Columbian Exchange explains why Africans were sold into slavery on the far side of the ocean to toil in fields of tobacco, sugar, and cotton. The Old World and New World: Why Europeans Sailed to the Americas Video - Lesson and Example. Reasons for Exploration The mid-to-late 15th century is known to history as the Age of Exploration, the time in which Europeans dared to venture beyond the coastal waters of Old World Europe to the new world of the Americas. It was an era when Spanish and Portuguese ships led the way but were soon followed by the French, the British, and the Dutch.
Today, as we delve into this Age of Exploration, we'll discuss three reasons why Europe took to the seas. They are the spirit of adventure, the religious desire to save souls, and, of course, wealth! When we're finished, it'll be up to you decide which title fits best: the Age of Exploration or the Age of Exploitation. Spirit of Adventure Let's take a look at our first reason for exploration, the spirit of adventure. One Renaissance man willing to risk his life - well, not really his own life, mind you, but the lives of the guys he sent out - was Prince Henry of Portugal.
Saving Souls Desire for Wealth Lesson Summary. Gold! The History of Man's Greatest Obsession 1. Exploration of North America Exclusive Videos & Features. Social Studies European Exploration, Lesson Plan. The Columbian Exchange: Crash Course World History #23. The Renaissance: Was it a Thing? - Crash Course World History #22. America's History in the Making — Home. American Passages - Unit 1. Native Voices: Problem Based Learning Projects.