The term "New World" is most often used to collectively refer to North America and South America.
Defining the New World
In geographical and historical contexts, the label "New World" was primarily used by Europeans beginning in the late 15th century to describe the lands they had recently encountered and settled, contrasting them with the "Old World" (Europe, Asia, and Africa), which were already known to them.
Based on the provided reference:
- North America and South America together are often called the “New World”.
This grouping includes the vast landmasses and islands that make up these two continents.
Historical Context
The concept of the "New World" arose directly from the Age of Discovery, following European voyages across the Atlantic Ocean.
- The arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492 is often cited as a pivotal moment that led Europeans to recognize these lands as distinct from the known Old World continents.
- Explorers like Amerigo Vespucci later confirmed that these were entirely separate continents, leading to the term "New World" becoming widely used to differentiate them.
This historical perspective is crucial to understanding the origin and application of the term.
Old World vs. New World
To further clarify the distinction, here's a simple comparison:
| Term | Regions Included | Historical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Old World | Europe, Asia, Africa | Known to Europeans before 1492 |
| New World | North America, South America | Encountered by Europeans after 1492 |
The use of the term "New World" reflects a Eurocentric viewpoint, categorizing parts of the globe based on European knowledge and exploration during a specific historical period.
Regions of the New World
The "New World" encompasses diverse geographical areas:
- North America: Includes countries like Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the islands of the Caribbean.
- South America: Includes countries like Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia, covering the entire southern continent.
While the term has historical significance, contemporary geographical classifications typically refer to these landmasses simply as North America and South America.
