The discovery of the Americas in 1492 dramatically altered European history by opening new territories for exploration, colonization, and exploitation. It initiated a period of European expansion called the Age of Discovery, leading to significant advancements in navigation and trade. The influx of resources, such as gold and silver, and the introduction of new agricultural products revolutionized European economies. Additionally, the encounter between Europe and the Americas triggered profound social, cultural, and political changes, including the spread of European diseases, the transatlantic slave trade, and the eventual rise of colonial empires that reshaped global dynamics.