New World
New World refers collectively to the Americas, the parts of the globe in the western hemisphere (including Antarctica). It emerged as a significant geopolitical entity following the Age of Discovery and Voyages of Christopher Columbus. The term is often used in opposition to the Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa).
Key Concepts
- Colonization: European expansion and settlement across North and South America.
- Resource Extraction: Exploitation of gold, silver, and other minerals.
- Biological Exchange: The Columbian Exchange of plants, animals, and diseases.
- Indigenous Societies: Civilizations such as the Aztec, Inca, and Mississippian cultures prior to and during contact.
Economic Impact & Mineral History
The economic foundation of the early New World economies relied heavily on precious metals. While gold and silver were initially the primary drivers of colonial wealth, the understanding and valuation of other metals evolved over centuries.
- Platinum’s Initial Disregard:
- Unlike gold or silver, platinum was initially dismissed by Spanish colonizers in the Caribbean and Colombia.
- Often called “platina” (little silver), it was considered a nuisance due to its high melting point and difficulty in refining, often discarded as impure silver or wasted in the refining process.
- This historical undervaluation contrasts sharply with its modern status as a precious industrial and jewelry metal.
- See detailed historical trajectory in: Platinum: From “Little Silver” to Valued Element—A Historical Overview
Related Concepts
- colonialism
- Age of Discovery
- Columbian Exchange
- Precious Metals
- South America
- North America