European Exploration of the Americas

The European exploration of the Americas began in earnest in the late 15th century, driven by a desire for new trade routes, wealth, and territorial expansion. Navigators like Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, and Amerigo Vespucci sought to chart the unknown lands, often under the auspices of powerful monarchies. This age of exploration opened up the continents to European powers, leading to significant interactions with Indigenous populations, which included trade, cultural exchanges, and, unfortunately, conflict. The legacies of these explorations are profound, shaping the geopolitical landscape of the New World and altering the course of history.