America Borealis 1699

Title

America Borealis 1699

Description

Map of Northern America, with California as an island.

dated 1699

Artist

Scherer (1628-1704)

Heinrich Scherer was German Geographer and Natural scientist.

Historical Description

The discovery of America means the first sighting of the American continent by seafarers. Before Columbus' arrival in 1492, North America may have had more inhabitants than Europe at that time. In 1497 the Genoese John Cabot (actually: Giovanni Caboto) became the first European since the Vikings to set foot on North American soil. However, permanent branches were not established for the time being. St. Augustine in Florida, founded in 1565 by the Spanish, is considered the first city on mainland North America, and is also the oldest city in the USA. Four states stood out in the European conquest of North America, each of which made it easier to take possession: England was under pressure to emigrate, also based on religion, and was thus able to represent the largest group in terms of numbers. France had special skills in dealing with the indigenous peoples, which later led to the only mixed ethnic group, the Métis, and the Netherlands had the financial means to establish colonies in North America. Spain had enormous military potential due to the combat experience. In 1604 the King of England Jacob I divided his North American colonies as follows: The area from the 1st to the 41st degree of latitude is said to be populated by the Virginia Company of London, the area from the 41st to the 45th degree the Plymouth Company. 1607 is considered the year of foundation of the first permanent colony of English settlers on the east coast of America. There was a collision between three cultures: Native Americans, white settlers and slaves from Africa. This year the first settlers from England landed in Jamestown, followed in 1620 by the (better known) pilgrims with the Mayflower in what is now the US state of Massachusetts. These could find shelter directly in the abandoned Indian settlements. The coastal Indians were now ready to cooperate and had Plymouth established the English gateway to North America.