New World

Definition

The New World refers to the continents of North and South America, which were 'discovered' by European explorers during the Age of Exploration, primarily in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. This term signifies not only a geographical discovery but also represents a pivotal shift in trade, culture, and knowledge as Renaissance thinking fueled the desire for exploration and the pursuit of new lands and resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'New World' became popular after Christopher Columbus's voyages in 1492, which marked significant European interest in exploring the Americas.
2. Renaissance thinking emphasized humanism, curiosity, and empirical observation, which drove explorers like Columbus, Magellan, and Vespucci to seek new trade routes and lands.
3. The discovery of the New World led to significant advancements in navigation technology, including the use of the astrolabe and improved map-making techniques.
4. Colonization of the New World resulted in major cultural exchanges, as well as conflicts between European settlers and Indigenous populations over land and resources.
5. The economic impacts of discovering the New World included the establishment of trade networks that integrated American resources into European economies, leading to profound shifts in wealth and power.

Review Questions

• How did Renaissance thinking influence the exploration and eventual colonization of the New World?
  • Renaissance thinking fostered a spirit of inquiry and innovation that encouraged exploration. Humanism emphasized individual achievement and knowledge, inspiring explorers to venture into unknown territories like the New World. The advancements in navigation techniques during this time allowed explorers to undertake longer journeys with greater confidence, which was essential for their voyages across uncharted oceans.
• Discuss the economic implications of the New World's discovery on European nations during the Renaissance.
  • The discovery of the New World significantly transformed European economies through mercantilism, where nations sought to accumulate wealth by establishing colonies and controlling trade routes. The influx of resources like gold, silver, sugar, and tobacco from the Americas fueled economic growth in Europe. This not only increased national power but also led to competition among European powers for dominance in global trade, shaping international relations for centuries.
• Evaluate how the Columbian Exchange impacted both the New World and Europe socially and culturally after its initiation.
  • The Columbian Exchange resulted in profound social and cultural transformations for both regions. In the New World, European diseases devastated Indigenous populations while European crops and livestock reshaped local economies and lifestyles. Conversely, Europe saw an influx of new agricultural products from the Americas that enriched diets and stimulated population growth. This exchange established complex cultural interactions but also led to significant conflict as differing worldviews clashed over land use and resources.

Related terms

Age of Exploration: A period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century characterized by European maritime exploration, leading to the discovery of new territories and sea routes.

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

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and establishing colonies to enhance a nation's power.