The Age of Exploration had a profound impact on world cultures, as it facilitated the exchange of ideas, goods, and people across continents. European exploration led to the discovery of new lands, resulting in the expansion of trade routes and the establishment of colonial empires. This cross-cultural interaction often led to the exchange of technologies and beliefs, enriching societies on both sides. However, it also resulted in the appropriation of resources, the spread of diseases, and the displacement of indigenous populations, fundamentally altering the social fabric and demographics of various regions around the globe.