The Columbian exchange, also known as the Columbian interchange, was the widespread transfer of plants, animals and diseases between the New World of the Western Hemisphere and the Old World of Afro-Eurasia, beginning in the late 15th century. It is named for Christopher Columbus and is tied to European colonization and global trade following his 1492 voyage. Some exchanges were deliberate, others unintended. Communicable diseases of Old World origin caused an 80 to 95 percent reduction in the Indigenous population of the Americas from the 15th century onward, and their near extinction in the Caribbean.
Facts
LocationThe Americas and Afro-Eurasia 1 Death Toll, Low Estimate (%) Death Toll, High Estimate (%) In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Asia, took place there.
Sources
1. Columbian exchange, Wikipedia
Lead paragraph, naming and origin
It is named after the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus and is related to the European colonization and global trade following his 1492 voyage
Lead paragraph, definition
the widespread transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the New World (the Americas) in the Western Hemisphere, and the Old World (Afro-Eurasia) in the Eastern Hemisphere
Lead paragraph, disease and Indigenous population
Communicable diseases of Old World origin resulted in an 80 to 95 percent reduction in the Indigenous population of the Americas from the 15th century onwards
Lead paragraph, Indigenous population reduction
Communicable diseases of Old World origin resulted in an 80 to 95 percent reduction in the Indigenous population of the Americas from the 15th century onwards
Columbian Exchange: Event Type
The Columbian exchange, also known as the Columbian interchange, was the widespread transfer of plants, animals and diseases between the New World of the Western Hemisphere and the Old World of Afro-Eurasia, beginning in the late 15th century.
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