The main historical consequence of the Age of Exploration was the profound and lasting impact it had on global trade, culture, and geopolitics. Beginning in the late 15th century, European explorers, seeking new trade routes and territories, initiated extensive contact with the Americas, Africa, and Asia. This led to the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, known as the Columbian Exchange, which transformed economies and societies on both sides of the Atlantic. However, the Age of Exploration also resulted in the colonization and exploitation of indigenous populations, contributing to widespread inequalities and conflicts, shaping international relations for centuries to come.