The term “New World” refers to the Americas, specifically the continents of North and South America, as well as the surrounding islands, following their discovery by Europeans in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
Before the arrival of Europeans, the Americas were inhabited by diverse indigenous cultures and civilizations, including the Aztec, Maya, Inca, Iroquois, Cherokee, and many others. These societies had developed complex civilizations with sophisticated cultures, economies, and political systems.
The term “New World” emerged as European explorers, primarily from Spain and Portugal, began to explore and colonize the lands they encountered across the Atlantic Ocean. Christopher Columbus’s voyages in 1492, sponsored by Spain, are often credited with initiating the European exploration and colonization of the Americas.
The discovery of the New World had profound and far-reaching consequences. It led to the Columbian Exchange, the widespread exchange of plants, animals, ideas, and diseases between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. This exchange significantly altered the ecosystems and societies of both the Old World and the New World.
The colonization of the Americas by European powers resulted in the displacement, exploitation, and often extermination of indigenous populations, as well as the establishment of European colonies and empires throughout the Americas. These colonies played a crucial role in the economic and political development of Europe and contributed to the rise of global trade networks.
Overall, the discovery and colonization of the New World transformed the course of human history, reshaping economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale.
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