Extended  Response  -­‐-­‐    Columbian  Exchange    Background  America’s  diverse  society  began  with  the  “great  convergence”  of  European,  African,  and  Native  American  people  beginning  in  the  late  1400’s.    The  arrival  of  the  Spanish  in  the  Americas  brought  about  a  clash  of  peoples  and  cultures  that  would  change  both  hemispheres  forever.    Historians  refer  to  this  movement  as  the  Columbian  Exchange.    Directions  Using  specific  examples,  describe  the  Columbian  Exchange.    Then,  with  sensitivity  to  both  the  eastern  and  western  hemispheres,  identify  and  explain  a  combination  of  five  significant,  lasting,  positive  and  negative  effects  of  the  Columbian  Exchange.