The Columbian Exchange: Two Worlds Meet — Reading Comprehension

The Columbian Exchange changed life in the Americas and Europe. When explorers like Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1492, they did more than find new land. They started a process that moved plants, animals, and ideas between different parts of the world.

Before Columbus came, the people in the Americas grew food like potatoes, corn, and tomatoes. They raised turkeys and used dogs for hunting. In Europe, people ate wheat, rice, and barley. They raised cows, pigs, sheep, and horses. The two worlds had different foods and animals.

When Columbus and other explorers arrived, they brought horses, pigs, and cows to the Americas. They also brought wheat and sugarcane. These new animals helped Native Americans travel and farm. Horses made hunting faster and changed the way some Native Americans lived. Pigs and cows gave more food, but they also changed the grasslands.

Europeans took potatoes, corn, and tomatoes back home. These foods became very important. Potatoes grew well in cold places. Corn fed many people and animals. Tomatoes made new dishes in Italy and Spain. This new exchange helped people live longer and healthier lives.

The Columbian Exchange also brought problems. Europeans brought new diseases like smallpox. Many Native Americans got sick because they had never faced these illnesses before. Millions died, making it hard for some groups to survive.

Even though there was loss, people learned from each other. Native Americans taught Europeans how to grow new crops. Europeans shared new tools. The world became more connected. The Columbian Exchange shaped the history of America and Europe.

One explorer wrote, "We found many strange fruits and vegetables. The people showed us how to plant them." This shows how both sides shared ideas and goods.

Interesting Fact: The name "Columbian Exchange" comes from Christopher Columbus, who helped start the exchange between two worlds.

Who started the Columbian Exchange?

Which food came from the Americas?

What animal did Europeans bring?

Why did Native Americans get sick?

How did horses help Native Americans?

What was shared between worlds?

The Columbian Exchange started after 1492. True or False?

What does 'connected' mean?