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Maize | Columbian Exchange - Alex M
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MAIZE | COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE
ORIGIN
ORIGIN
Sources state that maize originate in the Americas (specifically Mexico), the Caribbeans, and possibly even Spain.
EXPANSION
DATES
1400s
Maize was approximately discovered (by the New World) during this time period.
DATES
TIMELINE
1493
1494
Corn was grown, but was only moderately successful in Europe. Maize became more successful after hybridisation.
Christopher Columbus introduced Europe to corn from his first voyage from the Caribbean.
AFTER COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE
Europe
When exploring the Americas, Europeans found and brought back corn.
North America
From Mexico, maize spread North into the Southwestern United States
AFTER COLUMBIANEXCHANGE
South America
From Mexico, maize spread south down the coast of Peru
Asia
Corn reached Asia by trade in the 15th century.
Africa
Maize was introduced (by the Portuguese) to Africa during the 17th century.
Australia
In the 18th century, English settlers brought corn to Australia
PROFITABILITY
PROFITABILITY
How Profitable?
How Profitable?
Maize was a very popular and profitable crop during the Columbian Exchange.
Characteristics?
Characteristics?
Maize was capable of growing quickly in a variety of climates and prevented starvation when wheat crops failed.
Plantation Agriculture/Cash Crop?
Plantation Agriculture/Cash Crop?
Maize was considered a cash crop during this global exchange. The Europeans capitalized on it.
MAP
MAP
WHO PROFITED?
WHO PROFITED
Europe was the continent that profited the most from maize.
SPAIN
SPAIN
The Spanish took over commercial production of maize, overshadowing the ancient use of maize for subsistence in Mesoamerica.
PORTUGAL
PORTUGAL
The Portuguese profited from maize in a similar way to the Spain. Portugal owned maize producing colonies.
LABOR PRACTICES
LABOR PRACITCES
The high demand for maize globally increased slave labor in the colonies of Spain and Portugal. Maize amplified slave exports as well as population density. Maize increased the supply of enslaved people during the slave trade and was adopted in African agriculture.
CHANGING CULTURE
EUROPE
When maize was introduced to Europe, it resulted in a massive change in the European diet. For instance, maize revolutionized European diets and provided high nutritional value.
DATES
AFRICA
When maize was introduced to Africa, it resulted in population density and demographic changes, slave exports and exploitation, environmental changes, and conflict between African territories.
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental impacts of maize cropping (Africa):
- Land clearing
- Degradation
- Soil erosion
- Nutrient depletion
- Biodiversity loss
With the cost of planting a nutrient rich crop like maize, soil quality decreases greatly, as planting any other crop other than maize become nearly impossible. These effects are seen in Africa, since maize is a staple in the African diet.
PROFITABILITY
COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE CAUSES
European exploration of the ‘New World’ was motivated by the three statues; God, Gold, and Glory (Golden Age of Exploration).
GOLD
Europeans wanted to discover and maintain riches.
GLORY
Europeans wanted to develop and maintain global dominance.
GOD
Europeans wanted to convert others into Christianity.
PROFITABILITY
EASTERN/WESTERN HEMISPHERE
The Columbian Exchange was a significant historical event that led to the exchange of people, plants, animals, and diseases between the Eastern Hemisphere (Old World) and the Western Hemisphere (New World). The impacts of the Columbian Exchange on the Western/Eastern Hemisphere are:
Wins/Losses
Losses
Wins
WESTERN HEMISPHERE
Spread of diseases: (smallpox) population decline
Increased availability of crops: dietary options
Expansion of trade: trade and commerce
Exploitation/Slavery: exploitation of their native land
Environmental degration: loss of biodiversity
Increased knowledge: information and ideas
Wins/Losses
Losses
Wins
EASTERN HEMISPHERE
Spread of diseases: (syphilis) population decline
Increased availability of crops: dietary options
Expansion of trade: trade and commerce
Exploitation/Slavery: exploitation of the slave trade and the land of others
Environmental degration: contributed to the loss of biodiversity
Increased knowledge: information and ideas