What significant impact did the Columbian Exchange have on American populations in the sixteenth century?

The Columbian Exchange significantly altered the demographics of the Americas due to the introduction of new diseases by European explorers and settlers. Diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza were brought to the New World, for which indigenous populations had no immunity. This lack of immunity resulted in catastrophic mortality rates among Native Americans, with estimates suggesting that up to 90% of some populations were decimated within a short period following contact.

This demographic collapse had profound effects on indigenous societies, disrupting social structures and leading to the loss of traditional knowledge and cultural practices. While other factors, such as the introduction of new crops and technologies, did impact agriculture and lifestyles, the immediate and devastating impact of disease stands out as the most significant consequence of the Columbian Exchange on American populations during the sixteenth century.