Exploration of the Americas

The exploration of the Americas began in the late 15th century, driven by European nations like Spain and Portugal searching for new trade routes and territories. Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage marked a significant event, leading to widespread European interest in the New World. Explorers like Hernán Cortés and Jacques Cartier mapped coasts, claimed lands, and interacted with Indigenous peoples, often resulting in conflict and significant cultural exchange. This period fundamentally transformed global trade, colonization patterns, and demographics, laying the groundwork for the modern history of the Americas and reshaping Europe’s economic and political landscape.