John Cabot, an explorer, is often associated with Newfoundland's territorial disputes in the late 15th century. Cabot, an Italian navigator, sailed under an English flag and is credited with the discovery of parts of North America, including Newfoundland, in 1497. His journeys initiated the claim of England to North American territories, leading to disputes over land with other European powers. Cabot's expeditions marked a significant moment in the Age of Discovery, as they opened the door for future exploration and colonization of the continent, shaping the historical dynamics of British relations with Indigenous peoples and other colonial powers.