Explain one positive effect and one negative effect of the Columbian Exchange.

The exchange of germs between the Old World and New World after Columbus would have to be considered the most negative of effects. Europeans brought diseases like syphilis and Chagas disease back to the Old World. These diseases were minor irritants compared to the devastating effect of European pathogens on the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Europeans, who were used to living in densely populated areas, had developed somewhat of an immunity to the diseases...

The exchange of germs between the Old World and New World after Columbus would have to be considered the most negative of effects. Europeans brought diseases like syphilis and Chagas disease back to the Old World. These diseases were minor irritants compared to the devastating effect of European pathogens on the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Europeans, who were used to living in densely populated areas, had developed somewhat of an immunity to the diseases of smallpox, measles, malaria and influenza. When these germs were introduced to a new population of people in the New World, epidemics were born. The spread of disease in the New World had a major demographic impact on the native populations in a negative way.

The exchange of foods between the continents, while benefiting both sides, had greater benefit for Europeans. The introduction of maize, potatoes and yam to the Old World increased food supplies. The surplus of food allowed for the population expansion that was necessary to colonize the New World in the future.