What was carried west across the Atlantic in coulmbus excahnge?

Answer 1

This list is not by any means complete, but these are the basics. The items listed are unique to each region, I did not include items that already existed in Europe but were imported in huge numbers after Columbus (such as gold, for example.)

This is sometimes referred to as the Columbian Exchange, however the true columbian exchange includes items from Africa as well and refers to a circular trade route between Europe, the americas and Africa. Slaves would go from Africa to the Americas and trade goods would return from the Americas to Europe. The ships would empty their loads of gold, tobacco, etc in europe and then head to Africa to trade finished goods for more slaves. Then the cycle would repeat. This is also sometimes referred to as the columbian triangle.

From Europe to the Americas

Bubonic Plague

Smallpox

Horses

Cattle

Sheep

Pigs (?) - these may have been raised in remote parts of the Andes

Advanced Metallurgy (At least for iron working)

Wool

Barley (?)

Sugar Cane

Rice

Religion **I did not list for reverse because there were no native american missions in Europe**

Slaves(?) - although some native tribes did practice slavery, plantation style slavery was brought to the Americas by Europe. The distinction is not a subtle one.

From the Americas to Europe:

Cocoa

Tobacco

Corn

Tomatoes

Potatoes

Syphilis (?) - this is still under debate but the evidence is pretty strong

Chili peppers

LaCrosse

Ice Cream (? - I heard this but havew not verefied)

Exotic skins and pelts

Fish - specifically, cod from fisheries in and around the northeastern coast of North America.