South America is definitively part of the New World.
Understanding the Terms: Old World and New World
The classifications of "Old World" and "New World" are historical distinctions that originated during the European Age of Discovery, broadly referring to the parts of the world known to Europeans before and after the voyages of Christopher Columbus and subsequent explorations. These terms reflect a Eurocentric view of global geography at the time.
The Old World Defined
The Old World historically comprises the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa. These were the landmasses known and largely interconnected through trade and cultural exchange for millennia prior to the late 15th century. Civilizations across these continents had developed complex societies, vast empires, and extensive trade routes like the Silk Road.
The New World Defined
The New World refers to North America and South America. These continents were largely unknown to Europeans until the voyages across the Atlantic began in the late 15th century. The discovery of these landmasses opened up new opportunities for exploration, colonization, and trade, fundamentally reshaping global history and interconnectedness.
Historical Context of These Classifications
The distinction between the Old World and New World emerged as European explorers, notably starting with Christopher Columbus in 1492, encountered previously unknown continents. This period marked a significant shift in global understanding, trade, and power dynamics, leading to:
- Age of Exploration: Driven by desires for new trade routes, resources, and territories.
- Columbian Exchange: A vast exchange of plants, animals, culture, human populations (including slaves), communicable diseases, and ideas between the American and Afro-Eurasian hemispheres in the 15th and 16th centuries. This exchange profoundly impacted both the Old and New Worlds.
- Colonialism: European powers established colonies in the Americas, leading to significant cultural, political, and economic transformations in the indigenous societies of the New World.
Key Differences and Exchanges
The table below summarizes the primary geographical components of each classification:
| Category | Continents Included | Historical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Old World | Europe, Asia, Africa | Known and interconnected before 1492 |
| New World | North America, South America | Discovered by Europeans after 1492 |
The encounter between the Old and New Worlds led to unprecedented global exchanges, impacting everything from agriculture and disease patterns to demographics and political systems worldwide. For example, crops like potatoes, corn, and tomatoes from the New World became staples in the Old World, while livestock such as horses and cattle were introduced to the Americas.
