“The impact of the ‘Columbian Exchange’ on Europe was positive.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the impact of the “Columbian Exchange” on Europe was positive. Candidates may refer to the positive impact that it had by bringing new crops to Europe like potato, maize, tomato, sugarcane, coffee, fruits and tobacco. These products allowed for a population growth, a new expansion of trade and the initial shift towards capitalism. Candidates may consider the introduction into Europe of metals from America and the impact they had on financial and commercial activities. Candidates may also address other relevant factors, for example the imposition of European cultural patterns, values and religion that empowered European states. Candidates may challenge the statement considering that the imported new crops disrupted European ecosystems and imposed new methods of labour on peasants, and by referring to the introduction of new diseases among European populations. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the impact of the 'Columbian Exchange' on Europe was positive.