HISET Social Studies Practice 2025 - Free HISET Social Studies Practice Questions and Study Guide

Christopher Columbus is credited with finding what is often referred to as "The New World," which includes the islands of the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America, during his voyages starting in 1492. While Columbus aimed to find a direct route to Asia, his journeys led to the European awareness of the American continents, ultimately opening them up for exploration and colonization.

The term "The New World" has historically been used to designate the Americas in a contrasting sense to the Old World, which includes Europe, Asia, and Africa. Columbus's voyages were significant not just for their geographic discoveries but also for the profound impacts they had on the cultural and economic exchanges between the continents, commonly referred to as the Columbian Exchange.

In contrast, the East Indies refers to the regions of South and Southeast Asia that Europeans sought to reach for trade; the African Coast represents areas around Africa that were explored and colonized; and the Australian landmass indicates territories that were discovered and settled much later than Columbus's time.