The discovery of the Americas in 1492 by Christopher Columbus had profound significance, marking the beginning of widespread European exploration and colonization of the New World. This event opened new trade routes and led to the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe and the Americas, known as the Columbian Exchange. While it brought knowledge and wealth to Europe, it also resulted in the exploitation and devastation of Indigenous populations, leading to dramatic social, economic, and political changes in both continents. Additionally, it set the stage for future conflicts and the eventual rise of the U.S. as a global power.