You're Dead to Me The Columbian Exchange (Radio Edit)
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Oct 17, 2025 Dr. Caroline Dodds-Pennock, a leading historian of the Aztecs, joins comedian Desiree Burch to dive into the intriguing world of the Columbian Exchange. They explore how 1492 marked the beginning of globalisation, shifting diets with the introduction of diverse plants and animals. Caroline shares fascinating insights about the impact of cochineal dye and the status of pineapples in Europe. Desiree adds her comedic twist, ensuring laughter while unpacking the vital yet complex exchanges across continents.
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Columbian Exchange Defined
- The Columbian Exchange describes a monumental, reciprocal transfer of people, animals, plants, foods and microbes across continents after 1492.
- Alfred Crosby coined the term in the 1970s and it frames 1492 as a key moment in early globalisation.
Remember The Human Cost
- Avoid romanticising the Columbian Exchange without acknowledging its violent consequences and pandemics.
- When studying globalisation, foreground both cultural entanglement and the human cost.
Livestock Reshaped New Worlds
- European domestic animals like cattle, sheep and pigs transformed American landscapes and farming quickly after arrival.
- Cattle herds and ranching reshaped ecology and social structures in just decades.