ECONOMICS (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The Columbian Exchange embodies both the positive and negative environmental and health results of contact as well as the cultural shifts produced by such contact.

Detailed explanation-2: -Though there were positive effects, the Columbian Exchange had a long-lasting negative impact. Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas facilitated the exchange of plants, animals and diseases between the Old and New Worlds. For generations, Christopher Columbus was considered a hero of American history.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Columbian Exchange caused population growth in Europe by bringing new crops from the Americas and started Europe’s economic shift towards capitalism.

Detailed explanation-4: -In terms of benefits the Columbian Exchange only positively affected the lives of the Europeans. They gained many things such as, crops, like maize and potatoes, land in the Americas, and slaves from Africa. On the other hand the negative impacts of the Columbian Exchange are the spread of disease, death, and slavery.

Detailed explanation-5: -The exchange introduced a wide range of new calorically rich staple crops to the Old World-namely potatoes, sweet potatoes, maize, and cassava. The primary benefit of the New World staples was that they could be grown in Old World climates that were unsuitable for the cultivation of Old World staples.