The Potato

Luke Kirchner

     After reading the article about potatoes, I have to agree with the author and say the Potato is one of the most important crops. It allowed for major expansion, trade and food production. When the potato arrived in Europe, I brought a new nutrition that was easy to haul long distances.

     The Columbian Exchange connected Africa, The Old World, and The Americas to share ideas, technology, and resources. One of the leading exported items was the pepper, along with the potato, which was a beneficial factor in Population changes. New pathogens in the Americas led to a decrease in population and in Europe they were quickly domesticated and spread- Therefore raising population. The Columbian Exchange also added chocolate and tomatoes to more people's diet.

     Sweet potatoes also proved to last in other places, such as China. The sweet potato could survive flood which were frequent in some areas. Because farmers blamed the Emperors on lost crops from floods, the strong Sweet Potato reduced public uproar.

     Today, the Potato is one of the most valuable crops in history. Could corn possibly be more valuable and influential for modern society? Who knows. At least they both taste good!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Education Gap

Where voting matters - El Salvador

Sharing Economy- Luke