The term "discovered" often refers to the European exploration and colonization of the Americas, which began in the late 15th century with Christopher Columbus's voyages, starting in 1492. This marked the beginning of significant European contact with the indigenous populations of North America, South America, and the Caribbean.
The Western Hemisphere includes a diverse range of cultures, languages, and histories. Major indigenous civilizations existed long before European contact, such as the Aztecs in present-day Mexico, the Incas in South America, and various tribes across North America, each with their own rich cultural heritage.
The "discovery" of the Americas led to extensive exploration, colonization, and trade, but it also resulted in profound consequences for the indigenous peoples, including displacement, disease, and cultural disruption.
The term is often criticized as it overlooks the existence and contributions of the indigenous peoples of the Americas prior to European arrival. Today, the narrative surrounding the "discovery" is re-examined to acknowledge the complexity of these interactions and the impact on native populations.
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