In 1492, Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, reached the Americas. His journey was a pivotal moment in history, marking the beginning of sustained contact between the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) and the New World (the Americas).
Columbus's expedition was backed by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, aiming to find a westward route to Asia. On October 12, 1492, he landed on an island in the present-day Bahamas, believing he had reached the Indies. Subsequent voyages expanded European exploration and colonization in the Americas, leading to significant cultural exchanges, the Columbian Exchange, and ultimately, the establishment of European colonies in the New World. This event had profound and lasting impacts on global history, shaping the course of trade, culture, and geopolitics for centuries to come.