The Columbian Exchange was sparked by European exploration and colonization of the Americas, which led to the transfer of species across the Atlantic. Trade and commerce played a significant role, as goods and people were transported between the Old and New Worlds, often unintentionally carrying plants, animals, and diseases with them. This exchange was further facilitated by the conquest of the Aztec and Inca empires, which led to the transfer of crops, livestock, and other species.
One of the most significant effects of the Columbian Exchange was the devastating impact on indigenous populations. The introduction of European diseases, such as smallpox and influenza, decimated Native American populations, who had no immunity to these diseases. This had a profound impact on the demographics and cultures of the affected regions, shaping the course of history in ways that are still felt today.
