The empire that expanded across the Americas following Christopher Columbus's voyages is known as the Spanish Empire. Following Columbus’s expeditions in 1492, Spain claimed vast territories in the Americas, establishing colonies that included large parts of North America, Central America, and South America. The empire's expansion was marked by significant conquest and colonization, driven by elites seeking wealth from resources such as gold and silver. As a result, the Spanish Empire played a central role in shaping the culture, society, and governance in colonial America, leaving a lasting legacy.