The European arrival refers to the period when explorers from Europe first reached North America in the late 15th century. This includes Christopher Columbus' voyages and subsequent colonization efforts by various European nations.
Related terms
Columbian Exchange: The Columbian Exchange was the widespread transfer of plants, animals, diseases, people (including enslaved Africans), ideas, and technologies between Europe and the Americas.
Colonization: Colonization refers to when one country establishes settlements in another territory with intentions of controlling it economically or politically.
Encomienda system: The encomienda system was a labor system used during colonization where indigenous people were forced to work for Spanish colonizers in exchange for protection and Christianization.