The Columbian Exchange, which began after Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas in the late 15th century, led to the transfer of a vast array of food crops, livestock, and other commodities between the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) and the New World (the Americas). This exchange had a significant impact on global populations, particularly in Europe, as it introduced new agricultural products that improved nutrition and food security.
The introduction of calorie-dense food crops such as potatoes, maize (corn), and sweet potatoes from the Americas to Europe and other parts of the Old World contributed to substantial population growth. These crops were especially important because they were less labor-intensive to cultivate than traditional European crops and offered higher yields, which helped to sustain larger populations.
In summary, the greater amounts of food crops and other goods traded during the Columbian Exchange caused a significant increase in the populations of Europe due to improved nutrition and food availability.
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