The Age of Discovery, spanning the 15th to 17th centuries, had a profound impact on European history. This period marked the expansion of European powers across the globe, leading to the establishment of trade routes, colonies, and new cultural exchanges. It facilitated the rise of mercantilism, redefined socio-political landscapes, and initiated the shift towards a global economy. The exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies altered societies and economies, laying the groundwork for modern globalization. It also marked significant consequences for indigenous populations through colonization and the transatlantic slave trade.