What was the impact of the Columbian Exchange on the Caribbean?

The impact of the Columbian Exchange on the Caribbean was profound, primarily due to the introduction of new crops, animals, and diseases to the region. This exchange began after Christopher Columbus's voyages in the late 15th century, leading to significant changes in the agricultural and ecological landscape of the Caribbean.

New crops such as sugarcane, coffee, and various fruits were brought to the region, which transformed local agriculture and economies. The introduction of sugarcane, in particular, became a cornerstone of Caribbean plantation economies and integral to international trade. Additionally, the arrival of animals like horses, cattle, pigs, and sheep provided new sources of food and altered the lifestyle of both the European settlers and the indigenous populations.

However, the Columbian Exchange also had dire consequences, particularly through the introduction of diseases such as smallpox and influenza. These diseases decimated the indigenous populations, who lacked immunity to them, leading to a drastic decline in their numbers and significantly affecting their societies and cultures.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary changes brought about by the Columbian Exchange in the Caribbean. There was no simultaneous introduction of new political systems that dramatically changed the governance of the region; rather, European powers imposed their own political structures. The indigenous population did