What were the major discoveries and achievements of American Guianese explorers during this period?

History The Age Of Exploration Questions



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What were the major discoveries and achievements of American Guianese explorers during this period?

During the Age of Exploration, American Guianese explorers made several major discoveries and achievements. Some of these include:

1. Discovery of the Amazon River: Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana is credited with being the first European to navigate and explore the entire length of the Amazon River in 1541. This discovery opened up new trade routes and expanded European knowledge of the South American continent.

2. Mapping of the Guianas: Dutch explorers, such as Walter Raleigh and Abraham Crijnssen, extensively mapped the Guianas region (present-day Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana) during the 16th and 17th centuries. Their maps provided valuable information about the geography, resources, and indigenous populations of the area.

3. Exploration of the Orinoco River: German explorer Alexander von Humboldt conducted a scientific expedition along the Orinoco River in the late 18th century. His observations and documentation of the region's flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures greatly contributed to the understanding of South America's natural history.

4. Identification of the Angel Falls: American aviator Jimmy Angel, along with his companions, discovered the Angel Falls in Venezuela in 1933. With a height of 979 meters (3,212 feet), it is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall and remains a popular tourist attraction.

5. Study of Indigenous Cultures: Throughout the Age of Exploration, American Guianese explorers interacted with and studied various indigenous cultures in the region. Their observations and documentation provided valuable insights into the social, cultural, and linguistic diversity of the native populations.

These discoveries and achievements by American Guianese explorers significantly expanded European knowledge of South America, its natural resources, and its indigenous cultures.