The exploration era in America refers to the period of time when European explorers first arrived in the Americas and began to explore and document the lands and people they encountered. This era can be divided into two main periods:
1. The Age of Discovery (1492-1600): This period is dominated by Spanish and Portuguese explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. The major focus of these explorers was to find new trade routes to Asia and to discover new lands to claim for their countries. Their accounts of their journeys are typically characterized by a sense of wonder and awe at the new lands and people they encountered, as well as a pragmatic interest in trade and resources. Notable works from this period include:
- Christopher Columbus's "Journal of the First Voyage" (1492)
- Amerigo Vespucci's "Letters from a New World" (1502-1504)
- Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's "Narrative of the Expeditions of Panfilo de Narváez and Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca." (1542)
2. The Age of Exploration (1600-1750): This period saw an expansion of exploration by other European countries, including England, France, and the Netherlands. The focus of these explorers shifted from discovering new trade routes to establishing permanent colonies and exploiting the resources of the Americas. Their writings include detailed accounts of the geography, flora, and fauna of the new lands, as well as interactions with Native American tribes. Key works from this period include:
- John Smith's "A True Relation of Virginia" (1608)
- Samuel de Champlain's "Voyages of Samuel de Champlain" (1604-1613)
- William Bradford's "Of Plymouth Plantation" (1647)
Characteristics of literature from the exploration era:
- Diversity of purpose: The writings of explorers served various purposes, from documenting their journeys and findings to promoting their countries' claims to new lands and influencing potential colonizers and investors.
- Cultural encounters: Explorations often involved interactions with different indigenous cultures, leading to accounts of Native American customs, lifestyles, and beliefs.
- Ethnographic observations: Writers provided ethnographic descriptions of indigenous peoples, often focusing on their languages, social structures, and religious practices.
- Economic motives: Exploring expeditions were frequently driven by economic and commercial interests, leading to writings on natural resources, potential trade opportunities, and indigenous resources in their narratives.
- Colonial perspectives: Many exploration narratives were influenced by Eurocentric views and often reflected prejudices and misconceptions about the indigenous peoples encountered.
These works provided valuable insights into the geography, resources, and diverse cultures of the Americas, shaping European perceptions of the New World and laying the foundation for further exploration, colonization, and settlement.