What is the "New World" generally understood to be, and from what perspective is this term used?

The "New World" is a eurocentric term used to describe the majority of lands in Earth's Western Hemisphere, particularly the Americas, and sometimes Oceania. The term reflects a European viewpoint originating from the period of exploration and colonization.

When did the term "New World" emerge, and what historical period is it associated with?

The term "New World" emerged in the early 16th century during Europe's period of colonization, following significant voyages of discovery.

Who is credited with popularizing the term "New World," and what was the title of his influential publication?

Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci is credited with popularizing the term "New World" through his Latin-language pamphlet titled *Mundus Novus* (New World).

What key conclusion did Amerigo Vespucci present in his *Mundus Novus* pamphlet regarding the lands discovered?

Vespucci concluded that the lands discovered to the west of the Atlantic Ocean were not the edges of Asia, as previously thought, but rather entirely new continents, thus constituting a "New World."

How did the geographical understanding of the world change for European geographers due to Vespucci's findings?

Vespucci's realization expanded the geographical horizon of European geographers, who had previously believed the world consisted only of the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe.

What term is used to collectively refer to the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe in contrast to the "New World"?

Africa, Asia, and Europe became collectively known as the "Old World" in contrast to the newly discovered lands.

Did Amerigo Vespucci's use of "another world" for sub-Saharan Africa constitute the origin of the "New World" concept?

No, the Venetian explorer Alvise Cadamosto used the term "un altro mondo" (another world) to describe sub-Saharan Africa in the mid-15th century. However, this was a literary flourish, not a suggestion of a new continent, as Cadamosto was aware it was part of Africa.

What early contributions did Peter Martyr d'Anghiera make to the naming of the newly discovered lands?

Peter Martyr d'Anghiera, an Italian chronicler serving Spain, used terms like "western antipodes," "new hemisphere of the earth," and "discoverer of the new globe" in his letters starting in 1493, predating Vespucci's popularization of the term "New World."

What was Christopher Columbus's persistent belief about the lands he had discovered?

Christopher Columbus consistently believed that the lands he discovered were the eastern edges of Asia, often referring to them as "the Indies," and he maintained this belief until his death in 1506.

When and where did Amerigo Vespucci claim to have realized he was in a "New World"?

According to his *Mundus Novus* letter, Vespucci realized he was in a "New World" on August 17, 1501, while he was in Brazil.

What was the primary significance of Vespucci's *Mundus Novus* letter published in 1503-04?

The *Mundus Novus* letter was significant because it contained the first explicit articulation in print of the hypothesis that the lands discovered by Europeans were an entirely different continent, not part of Asia.

How did Vespucci describe the characteristics of this "New World" in his letter?

Vespucci described the continent as being full of animals, more populous than Europe, Asia, or Africa, and more temperate and pleasant than any other region known to Europeans at the time.

How was Vespucci's *Mundus Novus* received and disseminated in Europe?

Vespucci's letter was a publishing sensation in Europe, being immediately and repeatedly reprinted in several countries, which helped spread the concept of a "New World."

How did early maps, such as the Cantino planisphere (1502) and Canerio map (1504), represent the geographical relationship between Asia and the Americas?

These early maps depicted a large ocean between China and the Americas but also suggested a connection by showing the Asian landmass stretching across to the eastern edge of the map, with Greenland, for instance, labeled as "Punta d'Asia" (edge of Asia).

What was the contribution of the Waldseemüller map of 1507 to the naming of the "New World"?

The Waldseemüller map of 1507, which accompanied *Cosmographiae Introductio*, clearly delineated the Americas as a separate landmass with an open sea between it and Asia, and famously labeled the continent "America," derived from Amerigo Vespucci's name.

How did Martin Waldseemüller's later map of 1516 alter the depiction of North America's connection to Asia?

In his 1516 map, Martin Waldseemüller reverted to earlier ideas, merging the Asian landmass with North America and labeling it "Terra de Cuba Asie partis," while also removing the "America" label from South America.

Who discovered the western coast of the New World and the Pacific Ocean, and in what year?

Vasco Núñez de Balboa discovered the western coast of the New World and the Pacific Ocean in 1513.

What crucial determination was made about the Pacific Ocean's role in separating continents by Ferdinand Magellan's voyage?

Ferdinand Magellan's voyage between 1519 and 1522 determined that the Pacific Ocean formed a single, large body of water that definitively separated Asia from the Americas.

What discovery in the early 18th century confirmed that Asia and North America were not physically connected?

The discovery of the Bering Straits in the early 18th century established that Asia and North America were not connected by land.

Despite the discovery of the Bering Straits, what did some 16th-century maps, like the 1533 Johannes Schöner globe, continue to show?

Some 16th-century maps, including the 1533 Johannes Schöner globe, continued to depict North America as being connected to Asia by a land bridge.

When and by whom was the term "New World" used in relation to the Atlantic coast of North America?

Giovanni da Verrazzano used the term "New World" in 1524 in his account of his voyage along the Atlantic coast of what is now Canada and the United States.

How is the term "New World" commonly used in contemporary discussions, and what criticisms are associated with it?

The term "New World" is still commonly used when discussing historical events like Columbus's voyages and European colonization. However, it faces criticism for its colonial perspective of "discovery" and for not fully acknowledging the complexity and pre-existing civilizations of the lands it describes.

How is the term "New World" applied in a biological context?

In biology, the "New World" label is often used to classify species found exclusively in the Americas, distinguishing them from their counterparts in the "Old World" (Europe, Africa, and Asia), such as "New World monkeys" or "New World vultures."

What common agricultural history do the Old World continents (Asia, Africa, Europe) share?

Asia, Africa, and Europe share a common agricultural history dating back to the Neolithic Revolution, with domesticated plants and animals spreading across these continents thousands of years ago.

What significant difference existed in agriculture between the Old World and the Americas before post-Columbian contact?

Many common Old World crops and domesticated animals were not present in the Americas until they were introduced after post-Columbian contact in the late 15th century.

What are some prominent "New World crops" that originated in Mesoamerica?

Prominent New World crops domesticated in Mesoamerica include common beans, maize, squash (collectively known as the "three sisters"), avocado, tomato, and various types of capsicum (such as bell peppers and chili peppers).

Which domesticated animal from Mesoamerica is considered a "New World" contribution?

The turkey is a domesticated animal originating from Mesoamerica that is considered a significant "New World" contribution to global agriculture.

What key crops and domesticated animals originated from the Andean region of South America?

The Andean region of South America is the origin of important crops like cassava, peanut, potato, and quinoa, as well as domesticated animals such as the alpaca, guinea pig, and llama.

Besides the "three sisters," what are other notable "New World" crops mentioned?

Other notable New World crops include sweetpotato, cashew, cocoa, rubber, sunflower, tobacco, and vanilla, along with fruits like guava, papaya, and pineapple.

Are there any crops believed to have been domesticated independently in both the Old and New Worlds?

Yes, some crops like the calabash (bottle-gourd), cotton, and yam are believed to have been domesticated separately in both the Old and New Worlds, or their early forms may have been introduced by Paleo-Indians from Asia during the last glacial period.

What was the initial geographical scope of the "New World" term as presented in Vespucci's *Mundus Novus*?

The *Mundus Novus* letter initially applied the "New World" label specifically to the continental landmass of South America.

How did a 1504 globe, possibly created by Leonardo da Vinci, depict the "New World"?

A 1504 globe, possibly created by Leonardo da Vinci, depicted the "New World" as comprising only South America, excluding North America and Central America.

What was the purpose of the Spanish monarchs' *Junta de Navegantes* conferences held in Toro and Burgos?

The *Junta de Navegantes* conferences were convened by the Spanish monarchs to consolidate all existing information about the Indies, reach an agreement on discoveries, and set future exploration objectives.

What new objective for Spanish explorers was established during the Toro-Burgos conferences?

The conferences established a new goal for Spanish explorers: to find a sea passage or strait through the Americas to reach Asia proper.

What specific Latin phrase, meaning "New Globe," did Peter Martyr use in his history of the Americas?

Peter Martyr used the Latin phrase *Orbe Novo*, meaning "New Globe," in the title of his history documenting the discovery of the Americas.

What did the 1529 Padrón Real map, overseen by Diogo Ribeiro, label the Americas?

The 1529 Padrón Real map, overseen by Diogo Ribeiro, labeled the Americas as *MUNDUS NOVUS*, which translates to "the New World."

How did the 1529 Padrón Real map illustrate the extent of the "New World"?

The 1529 Padrón Real map traced most of South America and the east coast of North America, visually representing the lands identified as the "New World."

What term did Giovanni da Verrazzano use in 1524 to describe his findings along the Atlantic coast of North America?

In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazzano used the term "New World" in his written record of his voyage along the Atlantic coast of what is now Canada and the United States.

What is the definition of the "Old World" in contrast to the "New World"?

The "Old World" refers collectively to the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe, which were known to European geographers before the voyages that led to the discovery of the Americas.

What was the initial geographical understanding of the lands discovered by Columbus, and how did Vespucci's findings challenge this?

Columbus believed he had reached the East Indies (Asia), but Vespucci's *Mundus Novus* proposed that these lands were a separate continent, a "New World," challenging Columbus's interpretation.

How did cartography in the early 16th century reflect the evolving understanding of the "New World"?

Early 16th-century cartography showed evolving understanding, with some maps initially connecting Asia to the Americas, while later maps, like Waldseemüller's, began to clearly delineate the Americas as a distinct landmass, eventually leading to its naming as "America."

How is the "New World" label used in biology to categorize species?

In biology, the "New World" label is applied to species found exclusively in the Americas to distinguish them from their counterparts in the "Old World," such as "New World monkeys" or "New World vultures."

What are "New World crops" in agricultural terms?

"New World crops" are plants that were originally domesticated in the Americas and later spread globally following the Columbian exchange.

What specific region did Alvise Cadamosto refer to as "another world"?

Alvise Cadamosto referred to sub-Saharan Africa as "another world" in his writings, though this was a literary description rather than a geographical assertion of a new continent.

What was the impact of Vespucci's *Mundus Novus* letter on European geographical knowledge?

Vespucci's *Mundus Novus* letter had a significant impact by being the first widely published work to articulate the concept of the Americas as a separate continent, thereby expanding European geographical knowledge beyond the known Afro-Eurasian world.

What criticism is leveled against the contemporary use of the term "New World"?

The term "New World" is criticized for its eurocentric perspective, implying a colonial "discovery" that overlooks the existing civilizations and complexity of the lands, and for marking a new phase in Western colonialism.

New World Wiki: Charting the Unknown: The Genesis of the 'New World' Term

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Defining the 'New World'

Geographical Scope

The term "New World" is a eurocentric designation primarily applied to the majority of Earth's Western Hemisphere. This encompasses the continents of North America, South America, and Central America, and by extension, often includes Oceania.

Historical Context

Its emergence in the early 16th century marked a significant expansion of European geographical understanding, contrasting with the previously known lands of the "Old World" (Europe, Asia, and Africa).

The Genesis of the Term

Vespucci's "Mundus Novus"

The term gained widespread currency following the publication of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci's 1503 Latin pamphlet, Mundus Novus. In this work, Vespucci articulated his conclusion that the lands discovered across the Atlantic were not the eastern fringes of Asia, as Christopher Columbus had maintained, but rather entirely new continents.

Early Adoptions

While Vespucci is credited with popularizing the term, similar concepts appeared earlier. Venetian explorer Alvise Cadamosto used "un altro mondo" ("another world") for sub-Saharan Africa. Spanish chronicler Peter Martyr d'Anghiera employed terms like "western antipodes" and "new hemisphere" in letters dating back to 1493, and Columbus himself referred to "new heavens and world" in correspondence.

Historical Trajectory

Cartographic Evolution

Early maps, such as the 1502 Cantino planisphere, depicted a vast ocean separating Asia from the Americas. The 1507 Waldseemüller map, which accompanied reprints of Vespucci's letters, notably labeled the continent "America" and depicted a clear separation, aligning with the "New World" concept. However, subsequent maps showed variations, reflecting ongoing geographical uncertainties.

The cartographic representation of the "New World" evolved significantly:

1504 Ostrich Egg Globe: Possibly by Leonardo da Vinci, depicted South America as the "New World," excluding North America.
1507 Waldseemüller Map: Clearly separated the Americas and labeled South America "America," solidifying the "New World" concept.
Post-Magellan Voyages: Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation (1519-1522) confirmed the Pacific Ocean as a distinct body, separating Asia from the Americas.
18th Century: The discovery of the Bering Strait established the land separation between Asia and North America.

Acceptance and Dissemination

Vespucci's Mundus Novus letter was a publishing phenomenon, rapidly reprinted and translated across Europe. This widespread dissemination was instrumental in establishing the term's acceptance and embedding it within the European lexicon, fundamentally altering the perception of the known world.

Cartographic Representation

Early Depictions

Initial maps grappled with the implications of Vespucci's findings. While some, like the 1502 Cantino planisphere, showed a sea passage, others, influenced by classical authorities and Columbus's assertions, merged North America with Asia. The 1507 Waldseemüller map represented a significant shift, clearly delineating the Americas as a distinct landmass.

Defining Boundaries

The discovery of the Pacific Ocean by Vasco Núñez de Balboa in 1513 and Magellan's subsequent voyage confirmed the vast separation between Asia and the Americas. The eventual mapping of the Bering Strait in the early 18th century definitively established that Asia and North America were not connected by land, fully cementing the geographical reality of the "New World."

Contemporary Relevance

Historical Discourse

The term "New World" remains prevalent in discussions of historical events, particularly the Age of Discovery and European colonization of the Americas. It serves as a marker for this transformative period in global history.

Critical Perspectives

In contemporary scholarship, the term is often viewed critically. Its association with European colonial perspectives and the concept of "discovery" is seen as potentially overlooking the established existence and complex histories of indigenous populations. The term can imply a colonial viewpoint rather than a neutral geographical descriptor.

Specialized Applications

Viticulture

In wine terminology, "New World wines" refer to wines produced outside the traditional European, North African, and Near Eastern regions. This category broadly includes wines from the Americas, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, though the generalization is sometimes debated for its lack of specificity.

Biological Classification

In biology, the term distinguishes species endemic to the Americas from those found in the "Old World." Examples include "New World monkeys," "New World vultures," and "New World warblers," highlighting distinct evolutionary paths and biogeographical distributions.

Agriculture

Agriculture utilizes the term to differentiate crops domesticated in the Americas before European contact from those of the Old World. Prominent "New World crops" include maize, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, avocados, and chili peppers, which have since become globally significant staples.

Associated Concepts

Old World Contrast

The "Old World" is the term used to refer to the collective landmasses of Afro-Eurasia, representing the geographical and historical sphere known to Europeans prior to the Age of Discovery.

Hemispheric Divisions

The concept of the "New World" is intrinsically linked to the division of the Earth into hemispheres, particularly the Western Hemisphere, which became understood as a distinct geographical entity.

Continents and Landmasses

The term relates to the broader understanding of continents, including the recognition of the Americas as separate landmasses from Afro-Eurasia, and also encompasses concepts like subcontinents and prehistoric landmasses.

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References

Mundus Novus: Letter to Lorenzo Pietro Di Medici, by Amerigo Vespucci; translation by George Tyler Northrup, Princeton University Press; 1916.

M.H.Davidson (1997) Columbus Then and Now, a life re-examined. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, p. 417)

Peter Martyr, Opus Epistolarum (Letter 130 p. 72)

Peter Martyr, Opus Epistolarum, Letter 133, p. 73

Peter Martyr, Opus Epistolarum (Letter 138, p. 76)

Peter Martyr Opus Epistolarum, Letter 156 p. 88

Columbus 1500 letter to the nurse (in Major, 1870: p. 154)

Columbus's 1500 letter to the nurse(Major, 1870: p. 170)

S.E. Morison The European Discovery of America, v.2: The southern voyages, 1492â1616.(1974: pp. 265â66).

Missinne, Stefaan (Fall 2013). "A Newly Discovered Early Sixteenth-Century Globe Engraved on an Ostrich Egg: The Earliest Surviving Globe Showing the New World". The Portolan, journal of the Washington Map Society (87): p. 8â24.

A full list of references for this article are available at the New World Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended as an informational resource and not as definitive academic or historical scholarship.

This is not professional advice. The information presented here is not a substitute for expert consultation in history, geography, or linguistics. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and academic literature for in-depth study.

The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

Charting the Unknown

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining the 'New World' 📍

🌍 Geographical Scope

🧭 Historical Context

The Genesis of the Term 📜

✍️ Vespucci's "Mundus Novus"

🗣️ Early Adoptions

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🗺️ Cartographic Evolution

🌐 Acceptance and Dissemination

Cartographic Representation 🗺️

📍 Early Depictions

🌊 Defining Boundaries

Contemporary Relevance 🗣️

🏛️ Historical Discourse

⚠️ Critical Perspectives

Specialized Applications 🍇

🍷 Viticulture

🐒 Biological Classification

🌽 Agriculture

Associated Concepts 🔗

🌏 Old World Contrast

🌐 Hemispheric Divisions

⛰️ Continents and Landmasses

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining the 'New World'

Geographical Scope

Historical Context

The Genesis of the Term

Vespucci's "Mundus Novus"

Early Adoptions

Historical Trajectory

Cartographic Evolution

Acceptance and Dissemination

Cartographic Representation

Early Depictions

Defining Boundaries

Contemporary Relevance

Historical Discourse

Critical Perspectives

Specialized Applications

Viticulture

Biological Classification

Agriculture

Associated Concepts

Old World Contrast

Hemispheric Divisions

Continents and Landmasses

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice