What was the first hemisphere “discovered” by the Europeans? What were the impacts of this discovery?

Well, I suppose the Southern one, Africa and on to the Indian Ocean and the coast of Brazil. The impact of the discovery of a route to the Indian Ocean is huge, the spice trade etc.

It was seeking a shorter route to the East Indies that led Columbus and others west to the Americas, although European seamen had wandered here previously.

The first hemisphere "discovered" by Europeans was the Western Hemisphere, which includes North and South America. This discovery can be attributed to Christopher Columbus when he reached the Americas in 1492.

The impacts of this discovery were far-reaching and transformative in several aspects:

1. Colonization: The discovery of the Western Hemisphere led to a period of colonization by Europeans, particularly by Spaniards and Portuguese. This resulted in the establishment of European colonies throughout the Americas, leading to cultural, political, and economic domination by European powers.

2. Expansion of trade and commerce: The discovery of the Americas opened up new trade routes, allowing for increased exchange of goods between Europe and the Americas. This had a profound impact on the economy, leading to the emergence of global trade networks and the enrichment of European nations.

3. Cultural exchange and exchange of ideas: The interaction between European colonizers and indigenous populations in the Americas brought about a significant exchange of culture, ideas, and knowledge. While this exchange was not always equal or peaceful, it resulted in the mixing of different cultures and the sharing of diverse perspectives, which shaped the development of societies in the Americas.

4. Exploitation and forced labor: The discovery of the Western Hemisphere brought about the exploitation of indigenous peoples and the enslavement of millions of Africans. European colonizers sought to extract wealth from the Americas, which led to the establishment of systems of forced labor, such as the transatlantic slave trade and the encomienda system. These practices had devastating consequences for the native populations and caused immense suffering and loss of life.

5. Changes in global geopolitics: The discovery of the Americas shifted the balance of power in the global geopolitical arena. European nations with colonies in the Americas became major world powers, influencing global politics, economics, and trade for centuries to come.

To find more detailed and specific information about the impacts of the discovery of the Western Hemisphere, you can consult historical books, articles, or websites, which provide extensive research and analysis on this topic.