jan 1, 1492 - Columbus sails to the “New World”/Spain begins to colonize the Americas/Columbian Exchange begins

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Exchange begins
Spanish Empire used the hacienda and encomienda system, as well as a caste system based on race.
Columbian Exchange
“New World” trades corn, potatoes, tobacco, and rubber.
“Old World” trades livestock, smallpox, influenza, and coffee (the “Old World” side of this exchange will lead to the death of millions of Native Americans who are not immune to these diseases).

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