The Columbian Exchange

The Columbian Exchange started after Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492. It was a huge swap of plants, animals, and ideas between two parts of the world. Foods like potatoes, corn, and tomatoes went to Europe. Horses, cows, and wheat came to the Americas. It changed how people lived everywhere.

New Foods for Everyone

Before 1492, people in Europe had never tasted a tomato or a potato. They had never seen corn or chocolate either. These foods came from the Americas and became very popular. In return, the Americas got apples, bananas, rice, and coffee. Today, many favorite foods travel between both worlds.

Animals and Sickness

Horses were new to the Americas and changed life for many Native people. Cows, pigs, and sheep also came from Europe. Sadly, European settlers also brought diseases. Sicknesses like smallpox made many Native people very ill. This was one of the saddest parts of the Columbian Exchange.

Fun Facts

• Italians did not have tomatoes until after 1492, so there was no pizza sauce before then.
• Chocolate first came from the Americas and was used by the Aztecs.
• The word 'Columbian' in the name comes from Christopher Columbus.

Did You Know?

Before the Columbian Exchange, there were no horses in North or South America for thousands of years.