Impact of the Columbian Exchange

Globalization: Impact of the Columbian Exchange

A continental drift occurred millions of years ago, splitting the Americas - which then came to be known as then new world, from the old world made up of Africa and Eurasia (Crosby, 2011). The continental separation lasted long enough to foster divergent evolution, making some bacteria, animals and plants unique to the new world, and others unique to the old world (Crosby, 2011). Human voyagers artificially re-established connections between the two worlds by commingling the "old and new world plants, animals and bacteria," in what came to be known as the Columbian Exchange (Crosby, 2011). During the exchange, Europeans travelled across the Atlantic, to the new world, bringing with them old world plants such as turnips, rice, barley and wheat; domesticated animals such as goats, sheep, cattle and horses; the alphabet, and disease-causing bacteria; and carrying to the old, maize, manioc, sweet and white potatoes, the guinea pig, the fowl, the dog, the alpaca and the llama, which were unique to the new world (Crosby, 2011).

It is natural for humans to take certain things for granted, but people need to appreciate that the Columbian Exchange played a crucial role in the features they enjoy today, and that were it not for the European exploration, individual Americans would not lead the lives they do today. I consider the alphabet, which is a direct effect of the Columbian Exchange, the most beneficial development because it forms the basis of education and speech, it is the standard gauge for literacy and most importantly, because it is through it that I am able to communicate through this text today. Technology and architecture, both of which are crucial to the American construction industry, and the concept of healthy eating, all trace their roots to the Columbian Exchange (Crosby, 2011).