What was the scope and impact of the Columbian exchange?

The Columbian Exchange was a significant transfer of plants, animals, goods, and diseases between the Americas and the rest of the world, initiated by Christopher Columbus's voyages in the late 15th century. It dramatically transformed agriculture, diets, and economies on both sides of the Atlantic, introducing crops like potatoes and maize to Europe while bringing wheat and livestock to the Americas. The exchange also facilitated the spread of diseases such as smallpox, which devastated Indigenous populations. Overall, it reshaped global trade and cultural exchanges, leading to profound social and economic changes.