The Columbian Exchange/Crash Course World History

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

9

Overview

John Green teaches you about the changes wrought by contact between the Old World and the New. John does this by exploring the totally awesome history book The Columbian Exchange by Alfred Crosby, Jr. After Columbus "discovered" the Americas, European conquerors, traders, and settlers brought all manner of changes to the formerly isolated continents. Disease and invasive plant and animal species remade the New World, usually in negative ways. While native people, plants, and animals were being displaced in the Americas, the rest of the world was benefitting from American imports, especially foods like maize, tomatoes, potatoes, pineapple, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and manioc. Was the Columbian Exchange a net positive? It's debatable. So debate. 

This resource contains footage of an individual taking "the Cinnamon Challenge" a previously viral internet food challenge that has been deemed unsafe by medical professionals. Please discourage students from mimicking this practice. 

**Sensitive: This resource contains material that may be sensitive for some students. Teachers should exercise discretion in evaluating whether this resource is suitable for their class.

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 9 - World History

SS10.WH.2

Describe the role of mercantilism and imperialism in European exploration and colonization in the sixteenth century, including the Columbian Exchange.

UP:SS10.WH.2

Vocabulary

  • mercantilism
  • imperialism
  • colonization
  • Columbian Exchange
  • commercial revolution

Knowledge

Students know:
  • How mercantilism and imperialism motivated European exploration and colonization in the sixteenth century.
  • The details the Columbian Exchange.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Analyze historical information from both primary and secondary resources.
  • Analyze the impact of historical events.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • There were many causes and effects of European exploration and colonization in the sixteenth century.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

CUSTOM

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
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