The following quotes relate to different aspects of the columbian exchange. they discuss the impact of the exchange on indigenous americans, the discovery of the potato in south america, and the journey of a slave from africa to the americas. read them carefully and then answer the questions below.
these sewees [a native american tribe] have been formerly a large nation, though now very much decreas'd since the english hath seated their land, and all other nations of indians are observ'd to partake of the same fate, where the europeans come, the indians being a people very apt to catch any distemper they are afflicted withal; the small-pox has destroy'd many thousands of these natives.
—john lawson, traveling in south carolina, 17011
the spanish conquistadors first encountered the potato when they arrived in peru in 1532 in search of gold, and noted inca miners eating chuñu. at the time the spaniards failed to realize that the potato represented a far more important treasure than either silver or gold, but they did gradually begin to use potatoes as basic rations aboard their ships. after the arrival of the potato in spain in 1570, a few spanish farmers began to cultivate them on a small scale, mostly as food for livestock.
—jeff chapman, "the impact of the potato," 20012
in a little time after, amongst the poor chained men, i found some of my own nation. . i inquired of these what was to be done with us. they gave me to understand we were to be carried to these white people's country to work for them. i was then a little revived. . but still i feared that i should be put to death, the white people looked and acted, as i thought, in so savage a manner: for i had never seen such instances of brutal cruelty: and this is not only shown towards us blacks, but also to some of the whites themselves.
—olaudah equiano, the life of olaudah equiano, 18143
thinking about the above quotes, write an analysis of the columbian exchange's impact on the americas, europe, and africa. your analysis should answer the following question: which continent benefited the most and which benefited the least from the columbian exchange? be sure to clearly develop and organize your ideas and support your answer with evidence from the course.

The continent of Africa benefitted least from the Columbian Exchange. Despite receiving goods, weapons, and other valuable resources from Europe, millions of Africans were enslaved. The enslavement of Africans caused significant damage to the social and economic structure of the continent.

Europe benefitted the most from the Columbian Exchange. This continent received foods that became staples in their diet including potatoes. Along with this, Europeans also recieved tobacco from the New World. Tobacco was a popular substance used by Europeans due to this trade. Lastly, European countries got to spread their power to a completely new continent, allowing them to gain new natural resources never seen before.

the articles of confederation only set up the continental congress at the federal level. there were no executive or judicial branches except within the states. the states were allowed to keep every right that was not specifically given to congress. the bonding of the states was through a 'firm league of friendship' that best served as a defense agreement against invasion. states were not allowed to use taxes as a way to discourage treaties, and states were extremely limited in their dealings with foreign nations.

not many historians today talk about the strengths of the articles of confederation, likely because of how unpopular the document quickly became. the articles did set the legislative body, congress, as the highest power in the nation because of the fear of monarchy. congress had the sole power to declare war, assign treaties, entertain foreign relations, and operate post offices. disputes between states and territorial issues were to be brought to congress. the document also stipulated that canada was allowed to enter the union if they desired.

there were more weaknesses than strengths under the articles of confederation. the lack of power given to the continental congress strangled the federal government. the articles gave congress the power to pass laws but no power to enforce those laws. if a state did not support a federal law, that state could simply ignore it. congress had no power to levy taxes or regulate trade. without a federal court system or executive leader, there would be no way to enforce these laws, either. amending the articles of confederation would also require a unanimous decision, which would be extremely difficult.

i see you are doing the same test on usa test prep. cause you are in the same class as me