Final answer:
Christopher Columbus's voyage led to a major economic change for Europe and the Americas through the exchange of goods and the establishment of colonies. This exchange, known as the Columbian Exchange, brought new crops and animals to Europe while introducing commodities from the Americas. However, the exchange also brought diseases that greatly impacted the Native American population.
Step-by-step explanation:
Columbus's voyage to find a Western Passage to the East Indies created a chain reaction of events that led to a major economic change for Europe and the Americas. His exploration opened up new trade routes and opportunities for European countries, leading to the establishment of colonies and the exchange of goods between the Old World and the New World. This exchange, known as the Columbian Exchange, introduced new crops and animals to Europe and brought back commodities like tobacco, potatoes, chocolate, and corn from the Americas. However, the exchange also brought diseases that caused significant depopulation in the New World.