When Worlds Collide

In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. But what did that bring about? The Columbian exchange benefited both the new world and the old in three main ways: the exchange of food, trading of animals, and sharing of knowledge. The first reason is the exchange of food.

Food was an important part of the Columbian exchange. The Europeans brought over wheat and sugar to America, and the Americans shared potatoes, tomatoes, and corn. All of these foods are very important staples in the world today. This food is frequently used to feed animals.                  

         

The trading of animals played a huge piece of the Columbian exchange. The Europeans brought horses, pigs, cows and goats to the new world. We wouldn’t have the Pony Express or the Kentucky Derby if we didn’t have horses! The horse can make work and travel easier for everyone. Along with the animals, both worlds traded ideas.

The trading of knowledge happened during the Columbian Exchange. The main reason Europeans came to America was to convert Native Americans to Christianity, and they did. The Indians showed the Europeans different ways to farm, and a new culture. Imagine how different America would be without Christianity! Tons of Americans today are Christian. This brings us to the conclusion.

The Columbian Exchange involved lots of great things; the exchange of food, the trading of animals, and sharing of knowledge. Both Americans and Europeans benefited during it. A more fitting but less catchy phrase to “in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue” would be: In 1492 the Columbian Exchange changed the world for the better.