The Columbian exchange is a term coined by Alfred Crosby Jr. in 1972 that is traditionally defined as the transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World of Europe and Africa and the New World of the Americas. The exchange began in the aftermath of Christopher Columbus' voyages in 1492, later accelerating with the European colonization of the Americas.
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Definition
Timeline
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1453The Ottoman Empire closes the overland Silk Road trade routes between Europe and the East, initiating the European Age of Discovery.
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1492 - 1493First Voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World in three ships in an attempt to establish maritime trade routes to the East.
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1493 - 1496Second Voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World in 17 ships to colonize the region.
