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Difficulty: EasyThe Columbian Exchange

Selected Items Transferred during the Columbian Exchange

OriginItemDestination
Americas (New World)Maize, Potatoes, TobaccoEurope, Africa, and Asia
Europe, Africa, and Asia (Old World)Horses, Smallpox, Sugar caneAmericas

Based on the table and your knowledge of history, which of the following was a major consequence of the transfer of American crops to Europe and Asia?

  1. A significant increase in European and Asian populations due to the introduction of calorie-dense crops.Answer
  2. B
    The widespread adoption of horses, which revolutionized agricultural labor and transportation in European kingdoms.
  3. C
    The creation of the encomienda system to manage agricultural labor in European cities.
  4. D
    The unification of diverse Native American tribes into a single empire to regulate transatlantic trade.

Answer

A significant increase in European and Asian populations due to the introduction of calorie-dense crops.
The transfer of American crops like maize and potatoes to Europe and Asia introduced highly productive and calorie-dense food sources. This dietary revolution contributed to a dramatic population increase in the Old World.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the table to identify the direction of the crop transfers.
Maize and potatoes originated in the Americas and were transferred to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
This establishes the historical context of New World crops flowing to the Old World.
2
Evaluate the historical consequences of introducing American crops to the Old World.
These nutritious crops grew well in varied climates and provided high caloric yields, which fueled rapid population growth.
This identifies the correct demographic effect of the Columbian Exchange on Europe and Asia.

Key Concept

The Columbian Exchange led to major demographic shifts, including population growth in the Old World due to new food crops.
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Topics

The Columbian Exchange

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