Final answer:
Exoticism is the fascination and admiration Europeans developed for nonwestern cultures as a result of easier transportation and widespread colonialism. It influenced various aspects of European society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exoticism refers to the fascination and admiration that Europeans developed for nonwestern cultures as cross-continental transportation became easier and colonialism became more widespread. It was a result of Europeans being exposed to new cultures and traditions that they found intriguing and different from their own. This fascination with the exotic influenced various aspects of European society, including art, literature, fashion, and even tourism.