The term "Columbian Exchange" is used to describe the exchange of crops, animals, people, diseases, and technology that occurred after Columbus' discovery of the New World. As a result of the contact between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, people in both places were introduced to a variety of new goods, ideas, and cultural traditions. Europeans brought the horse to the New World, which gave the Native Americans a new form of transportation. They also brought diseases, which nearly wiped out certain native communities that had no immunity to the illnesses. The arrival of the Europeans also had a great impact on the people living in the Americas. Europeans spread Christianity throughout North and South America. Crops from the Western Hemisphere such as potatoes, tomatoes, and tobacco had previously been unknown to the Europeans. People began planting potatoes and tomatoes in Europe, which contributed to an increase in food production in Europe.



Based on the passage, do you think the Columbian Exchange was beneficial? Use evidence from the text to support your answer. Please write your response in at least 3 sentences.