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How did Vespucci change history?
Amerigo Vespucci is remembered for several important reasons. He explored the mouth of the Amazon River. He also developed a method for determining longitude. Perhaps Vespucci’s most important contribution, however, was his realization that the continent he was exploring was not Asia.
Why was Amerigo Vespucci important to world history?
On May 10, 1497, explorer Amerigo Vespucci embarked on his first voyage. On his third and most successful voyage, he discovered present-day Rio de Janeiro and Rio de la Plata. Believing he had discovered a new continent, he called South America the New World. In 1507, America was named after him.
Who was Amerigo Vespucci and what did he contribute to the Americas?
Amerigo Vespucci, (born 1454?, Florence, Italy—died 1512, Sevilla, Spain), merchant and explorer-navigator who took part in early voyages to the New World (1499–1500 and 1501–02) and occupied the influential post of piloto mayor (“master navigator”) in Sevilla (1508–12).
How did Vespucci encourage more exploration?
Believing he had discovered a new continent, he called South America the New World. How did Vespucci encourage more exploration? He became master navigator in Spain where he recruited and trained other navigators. They both reached America and thought they were in Asia.
What was Amerigo Vespucci impact on the world?
Vespucci was the first person to recognize North and South America as distinct continents that were previously unknown to Europeans, Asians and Africans. Prior to Vespucci’s discovery, explorers, including Columbus, had assumed that the New World was part of Asia.
How did Vespucci’s change the perception of the Spanish?
Vespucci’s findings during the Age of Discovery led Spain people to believe that North and South America were not connected to Asia, which was a common belief at the time and was even held by Vespucci himself.