Discovering America

Definition

Discovering America refers to the European exploration and colonization of the Americas, primarily initiated by explorers such as Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century. This term encapsulates the profound transformations that occurred as a result of European contact with the indigenous populations, the exchange of goods and ideas, and the establishment of new trade routes and empires. The impact of these discoveries not only reshaped global trade but also led to significant social, political, and cultural changes on both sides of the Atlantic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Christopher Columbus made his famous voyage in 1492, believing he could find a westward route to Asia but instead landing in the Bahamas.
2. The discovery led to intense competition among European powers such as Spain, Portugal, France, and England to establish colonies in the New World.
3. The arrival of Europeans brought significant diseases like smallpox to indigenous populations, leading to dramatic declines in their numbers.
4. The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal, setting the stage for future colonial claims.
5. Exploration resulted in the establishment of a transatlantic slave trade as Europeans sought labor for their colonies, significantly impacting African societies.

Review Questions

• How did Discovering America change global trade patterns in the late 15th and early 16th centuries?
  • Discovering America significantly altered global trade patterns by opening new routes for goods between Europe and the New World. The influx of precious metals like gold and silver from the Americas into Europe enhanced wealth and stimulated economic growth. Additionally, commodities such as sugar, tobacco, and later cotton became key exports from the colonies, leading to increased demand in Europe and a shift in economic focus towards colonial markets.
• Discuss the impact of European exploration on indigenous populations following Discovering America.
  • The impact of European exploration on indigenous populations was catastrophic. The introduction of European diseases like smallpox devastated native communities who had no immunity. Furthermore, European colonization often led to violent conflicts over land and resources. Many indigenous peoples were displaced or forced into servitude, resulting in significant cultural disruption and loss of traditional ways of life as European settlers imposed their own systems.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Discovering America on both Europe and the Americas in terms of cultural exchange and economic development.
  • The long-term effects of Discovering America were profound for both Europe and the Americas. Culturally, the Columbian Exchange facilitated a significant interchange between continents, introducing new foods like potatoes and tomatoes to Europe while bringing wheat and livestock to the Americas. Economically, this period marked the rise of mercantilism in Europe as nations sought to exploit new resources and labor from their colonies. The resulting colonial economies laid the groundwork for modern capitalism while also creating lasting inequalities that would shape social structures in both continents for centuries.

Related terms

Columbian Exchange: The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

Mercantilism: An economic theory prevalent during the Age of Exploration that emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and maintaining a favorable balance of trade.

Spanish Empire: A powerful empire that emerged as a result of Spain's exploration and colonization efforts in the Americas, becoming one of the first global empires.