European contact

Definition

European contact refers to the period when Europeans, primarily explorers and colonizers, first encountered and interacted with indigenous peoples of various regions around the world. In the context of South America, it specifically refers to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 and subsequent European colonization efforts.

Related terms

Columbian Exchange: The Columbian Exchange was the widespread exchange of goods, plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between Europe and the Americas following Columbus' voyages.

Conquistadors: Conquistadors were Spanish conquerors who led expeditions to conquer territories in the Americas during the Age of Exploration.

Encomienda System: The encomienda system was a labor system used by Spanish colonizers that granted them control over indigenous peoples' land and forced them into labor in exchange for protection.