Discovered

Definition

Discovered refers to the act of finding or uncovering something previously unknown or unseen. In historical contexts, this often involves European explorers encountering new lands and peoples, which significantly impacted global trade, colonization, and cultural exchanges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Discovery, spanning from the late 15th century to the early 17th century, was marked by European explorations that led to the discovery of the Americas and sea routes to Asia.
2. Notable figures like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama played pivotal roles in discovering new lands and establishing trade networks.
3. The discoveries made during this period led to significant economic changes in Europe, including the rise of mercantilism and the establishment of colonial empires.
4. The concept of 'discovery' often overlooked the existence of indigenous populations and their cultures, leading to complex legacies of colonization and conflict.
5. The impact of these discoveries set the stage for later movements such as Manifest Destiny in the United States, which justified westward expansion as a form of 'discovery' and progress.

Review Questions

• How did the discoveries made during the Age of Exploration impact European economies and societies?
  • The discoveries during the Age of Exploration dramatically transformed European economies and societies by opening new trade routes and resources. The influx of wealth from colonies fueled mercantilist policies, leading to increased competition among European powers. This wealth also spurred technological advancements and encouraged further exploration. Societies began to shift as they adapted to these new economic realities, with growing urban centers and changes in social hierarchies.
• Analyze the implications of the term 'discovered' regarding indigenous peoples in the context of European exploration.
  • The term 'discovered' carries significant implications regarding indigenous peoples, as it often ignores their pre-existing cultures and societies. When European explorers claimed they 'discovered' new lands, they frequently disregarded the rights and histories of the indigenous populations already living there. This led to conflicts, displacement, and the imposition of European ways of life on native communities. The narratives shaped by these discoveries played a crucial role in justifying colonization and its impacts on indigenous cultures.
• Evaluate how the concept of discovery influenced American attitudes towards westward expansion during Manifest Destiny.
  • The concept of discovery was a driving force behind American attitudes towards westward expansion during Manifest Destiny. Many Americans viewed the western territories as 'undiscovered' lands ripe for exploration and settlement, despite being inhabited by various indigenous nations. This notion reinforced a belief in American exceptionalism, where expansion was seen as a divine right or destiny. Such beliefs not only justified territorial expansion but also rationalized the displacement and marginalization of native populations in pursuit of progress and civilization.

Related terms

Exploration:

The act of traveling through an unfamiliar area to learn about it, often associated with early European explorers seeking new trade routes and territories.

Colonization:

The process by which a country establishes control over a foreign territory, often involving settlement and exploitation of resources.

Cultural Exchange:

The process through which different cultures share ideas, customs, and technologies, often resulting from contact between explorers and indigenous populations.