SAQs for APUSH Topic 1.4 — The Columbian Exchange

Five short answer questions designed to help students review for the annual exam and that relate to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas, the Old World, and West Africa following the voyage to the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

1. The contact among Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans that followed the voyage of Columbus in 1492 resulted in significant social changes on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Briefly describe one way that European society changed as a result of the Columbian Exchange. Briefly describe one way that African society changed as a result of the Columbian Exchange. Briefly describe one way that Native American society changed as a result of the Columbian Exchange.
2. The contact among Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans that followed the voyage of Columbus in 1492 resulted in significant political changes on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Briefly describe one way that Europe changed politically as a result of the Columbian Exchange. Briefly describe one way that Africa changed politically as a result of the Columbian Exchange. Briefly describe one way that Native Americans changed politically as a result of the Columbian Exchange.
3. The Columbian Exchange brought new crops to Europe from the Americas. Name three of the more important crops that were brought to Europe from the Americas during the Columbian Exchange. Briefly describe a significant effect on Europe that resulted from the new crops brought to Europe from the Americas during the Columbian Exchange.
4. The Columbian Exchange brought new sources of mineral wealth to Europe from the Americas. Name three mineral sources that were brought to Europe from the Americas during the Columbian Exchange. Briefly describe a significant effect on Europe that resulted from the new mineral sources brought to Europe from the Americas during the Columbian Exchange (with your answer to this question being sure to include the worlds feudalism, capitalism, facilitated, and shift.)
5. Spanish exploration and conquest (during the Columbian Exchange) were accompanied and furthered by widespread deadly epidemics and the introduction of crops and animals not found in the Americas. Name a widespread epidemic that was introduced into the Americas during the Columbian Exchange. What effect did this deadly epidemic have on native populations? Name an animal that was introduced into the Americas during the Columbian Exchange. What effect did this animal have on native populations?