Columbian Exchange: Negative Effects From The Worlds Old to New

Enslavement

During the Columbian Exchange, Europeans brought African Americans across seas against their wills. They showed them no care and they were forced to work for no pay. They were sold like pieces of art and separated from their families. Not only were African Americans used, so were Natives. Natives were forced to use the Spanish language and promote Christianity.

Deforestation and Development

During the Columbian exchange, Colonists cleared land for agriculture and buildings. Many forests were cleared and many species of animals lost their homes. This was the beginning of Industrialization.

Rodent Infestation

During travel, rats hitched rides on European ships. Their population grew and they infested the Americas. They nearly ate colonists and Natives out of house and home.

Disease

The Columbian exchange brought many diseases to the New World, the worst of which being Smallpox. The Natives knew no cure. Many leaders fell to Smallpox. Natives rebelled and wars began. Disease has been estimated to have killed 9 out of every 10 Native Americans.

War

The New World's resources became heavily desired. People became greedy and stopped at nothing to get what they wanted. This included the mass killing of Native populations. Leaders died, people revolted, and along with the disease, Entire civilizations were reduced to dust.