41. Explain the historical circumstances that led to the spread of disease during the European conquest of the Americas.

The Columbian Exchange refers to the exchange of diseases, ideas, food e Columbian Exchange refers to the exchange of diseases, ideas, food

crops, and populations between the New World and the Old World rops, and populations between the New World and the Old World

following the voyage to the Americas by Christo ollowing the voyage to the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492. pher Columbus in 1492.

The Old World—by which we mean not just Europe, but the entire Eastern he Old World—by which we mean not just Europe, but the entire Eastern

Hemisphere—gained from the Columbian Exchange in a number of ways. Discov- emisphere—gained from the Columbian Exchange in a number of ways. Discoveries of new supplies of metals are perhaps the best known. But the Old World also ries of new supplies of metals are perhaps the best known. But the Old World also

gained new staple crops, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, maize, and cassava.

Explanation: