European contact

Definition

European contact refers to the period when Europeans first arrived in North America and established interactions with Native American societies. This contact led to significant changes in history, culture, and society on both continents.

Related terms

Colonization: Colonization refers to the establishment and control of colonies by a foreign power in a territory outside its own borders.

Disease transmission: Disease transmission refers to the spread of infectious diseases between populations. European contact introduced new diseases to Native American societies, causing devastating epidemics.

Cultural exchange: Cultural exchange occurs when people from different cultures interact and share ideas, beliefs, practices, and customs with one another.