In paragraph form, and in at least 250 words, describe the Columbian Exchange, and provide examples of the major things exchanged, as well as the effect this process had on both Europe and North America.

Answer and explanation:

The Columbian exchange or Columbian interchange is a term named after Christopher Columbus. It refers to the colonization and subsequent trade that began with Columbus's trip in 1492. The Columbian exchange involved the Americas, Europe, and West Africa during the 15th and 16th centuries, and resulted in an extensive transfer that greatly impacted all involved. The term contemplates not only the trade of goods, but also of animals, people, cultures, and even diseases. Some of the major things exchanged were domesticated animals - horse, donkey, chicken, cattle, turkey, parrots, guinea pig, etc. -, and fruits and plants - acai, avocado, broccoli, celery, carrot, chia, pecan, oregano, etc. It's worth remembering that products were exported to and from both the New and the Old Word. A side effect of such contact between different continents and people was the transfer of diseases. Indigenous people in the Americas were decimated by the illnesses transmitted by colonizers. The exchange of cultures had a great impact on both Europe and North America. Enslaved Africans brought their knowledge concerning agrarian practices such as water control and milling. Europe began shifting towards Capitalism and was the subject of population growth due to the availability of new products and crops. Colonizers introduced European values to indigenous nations, ranging from land possession and division to monogamy. There was a noticeable disrupt in ecosystems, since the trade of animals brought in invasive species - a species that is not native and, for that reason, tends to spread and damage the environment.