The Columbian Exchange: 1492-1750

            The Americas and Europe both played a significant role in the Columbian Exchange which lasted from 1492-1750. This exchange included both positive and negative effects on both the human population and the environment. One difference between the two continents is when they first crossed paths, was that the American Natives were at a much higher risk of catching deadly diseases. These diseases included diphtheria, typhus, influenza, whooping coat and many more. On the other hand, the American people only had syphilis. Neither civilizations were immune to each others diseases causing many Americans and Europeans to get fatally ill and eventually die. Another difference when comparing the two is how strongly fawna impacted the American land's environment. .
             Before the Columbian exchange, the American environment was plain and not much wildlife was around wandering. By 1700, there were a whopping 50 million wild horses and other cattle roaming the areas of southern South America, north Mexico and southwest U.S. Even though theses animals provided meat and fur, they were disease reservoirs and they dismantled Amerindian farm settlements. One similarity is that they both brought at least one good that left a long lasting impact on each other. The Amerindians offered a very useful crop, maize. Even though maize wasn't exactly a very healthy and nutritious crop, it filled the consumer easily. The horse was brought over by the Europeans. Tat was very impactful since it was the animal of choice for transportation later on. .
             One difference between the two continents is when they first crossed paths, was that the American Natives were at a much higher risk of catching deadly diseases. The Europeans brought several deadly diseases such as diphtheria, typhus, influenza, whooping cough, dysentry, cholera, and also brought a very vigorous plague called the pneumonic plague. The American Natives got their revenge with their disease, syphilis.