Christopher Columbus is often credited with the discovery of the Americas in 1492, although it is crucial to note that indigenous peoples had inhabited the continent for thousands of years prior to his arrival. Columbus, sailing under the auspices of the Spanish Crown, aimed to find a westward route to Asia but instead landed in the Bahamas. His voyages initiated widespread exploration and colonization of the Americas by European powers, leading to significant cultural exchanges and, unfortunately, devastating consequences for indigenous populations. Columbus’s expeditions marked a pivotal moment in world history, reshaping global trade and dynamics.