What was the Columbian Exchange?

The Columbian Exchange refers to a period in history during which numerous exchanges took place between the Americas and European, African and Asian nations. These exchanges occurred during the 15th and 16th centuries and included the exchange of people, animals, goods and information.

During the Columbian Exchange, goods were sent from European, African and Asian countries to the areas now known as North America. The receiving countries then sent goods back to these areas. Examples of things that were exchanged during this period are livestock, crops and various aspects of each culture involved in the exchange. Communicable diseases were also spread among the participating regions during this time.