Newly Discovered Lands

Definition

Newly Discovered Lands refers to the territories explored and claimed by European powers during the Age of Exploration, particularly from the late 15th century to the 17th century. These lands included parts of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, leading to significant economic, cultural, and geopolitical changes as European nations sought new trade routes and resources. This era not only expanded geographical knowledge but also sparked the rise of global markets fueled by the influx of goods, wealth, and colonization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The discovery of new lands led to European powers such as Spain and Portugal establishing vast colonial empires that significantly impacted global trade.
2. These newly discovered territories were often rich in natural resources like gold, silver, and spices, making them highly sought after by European nations.
3. The exploration of these lands resulted in significant cultural exchanges but also brought devastating consequences for indigenous populations through disease and conquest.
4. The competition for control over newly discovered lands intensified rivalries among European powers, contributing to conflicts such as the Anglo-Spanish War.
5. As trade routes expanded due to these discoveries, a more interconnected global economy began to emerge, shifting the focus of commerce from local markets to international trade networks.

Review Questions

• How did the discovery of newly discovered lands impact European economies during the Age of Exploration?
  • The discovery of newly discovered lands had a profound impact on European economies by providing access to vast resources and new trade routes. Countries like Spain and Portugal were able to capitalize on these territories by extracting valuable commodities such as gold and silver. This influx of wealth not only fueled economic growth in Europe but also led to increased competition among European powers for dominance in global markets.
• Discuss the implications of the Treaty of Tordesillas on European colonial expansion and its long-term effects on global politics.
  • The Treaty of Tordesillas established a clear division between Spanish and Portuguese claims in newly discovered lands, allowing these two nations to expand their empires with reduced conflict between them. However, this division also excluded other European powers from claiming territories, leading to future tensions and conflicts as nations like England and France sought to establish their own colonies. The treaty laid the groundwork for future geopolitical dynamics and rivalries that shaped global politics for centuries.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of colonization in newly discovered lands on indigenous populations and world history.
  • The colonization of newly discovered lands had devastating long-term consequences for indigenous populations, including drastic population declines due to disease, warfare, and displacement. The introduction of European governance and culture disrupted traditional societies and led to loss of autonomy. Furthermore, this period marked a significant turning point in world history by initiating an era of globalization characterized by increased trade networks, cultural exchanges, and the eventual emergence of a more interconnected world economy that still influences global relations today.

Related terms

Columbian Exchange:

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

Mercantilism:

An economic theory prevalent in the 16th to 18th centuries that promoted government regulation of a nation's economy to augment state power, often through the establishment of colonies.

Treaty of Tordesillas:

A 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between them along a meridian in the Atlantic Ocean.