Final answer:
The concept of discovery related to the 'New World' didn't exist until 1492 and is closely tied to the practice of colonialism, where Europeans 'discovered' and then colonized the Americas under the notion that their culture was superior.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to historian David Wootton, the notion of discovering something new, such as the concept of the 'New World,' did not exist until the discovery of America in 1492. This era marked the beginning of European exploration and subsequent colonialism, as nations sought to expand their power and influence. The term colonialism refers to the practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. The arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas is a pivotal example of this, ushering in an era where European nations established colonies overseas.
Despite the presence of indigenous peoples, the European interpretation was that they had 'discovered' these lands, which inherently carried an ethnocentric viewpoint. Ethnocentrism, the belief that one's own culture is superior to that of other cultures, played a significant role in justifying and perpetuating colonial activities. It wasn't just about claiming new lands; it was also about imposing values, beliefs, and systems upon the lands and peoples encountered. This behavior often resulted in devastating impacts on the local populations and cultures.