1. Discovery and Exploration:
When European explorers first arrived in the Americas, they believed they had discovered a new continent that was previously unknown to them. This sense of discovery led to the use of the word "new" to distinguish these lands from the known world of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
2. Terra Incognita:
The term "terra incognita" (unknown land) was commonly used on maps to refer to unexplored or uncharted territories. As Europeans began to explore and map the Americas, they named many places with the word "new" to indicate that these areas were previously unknown and uncharted.
3. Claiming Possession:
By using the word "new," Europeans asserted their claim of ownership and possession over the newly discovered lands. The use of "new" implied that these places were previously devoid of civilization or proper governance, and therefore, European colonizers had the right to establish their colonies and assert their authority.
4. Differentiating from Established Civilizations:
The term "new" also helped to distinguish the newly discovered lands from the established civilizations that already existed in the Americas. By using the word "new," Europeans emphasized the novelty and distinctiveness of the American territories compared to the familiar regions they were accustomed to.
5. Marketing and Attraction:
The use of the word "new" was sometimes employed for marketing purposes to attract settlers and adventurers to the newly colonized lands. It created a sense of excitement and opportunity, implying that these "new" places offered fresh possibilities and resources for those willing to make the journey.
These are some of the reasons why Europeans used the word "new" in the names of places in the Americas during the colonial period. It not only reflected their perception of discovery and exploration but also served as a way to claim possession, differentiate from existing civilizations, and attract settlers to these new frontiers.