What event was sparked by the discovery of the Americas?

The discovery of the Americas in 1492 by Christopher Columbus marked the beginning of the Age of Exploration, a period characterized by extensive exploration and significant overseas expansion by European powers. This era saw explorers like Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and many others undertake voyages that led to the mapping of new territories, the establishment of trade routes, and the formation of colonies.

The Age of Exploration was driven by a desire for new trade opportunities, the pursuit of wealth, and a quest for knowledge about the world. This period significantly changed the course of world history, leading to the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas between Europe and the newly discovered lands, commonly referred to as the Columbian Exchange. As a result, the Age of Exploration is intrinsically linked to the discovery of the Americas.

In contrast, the Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that preceded the discovery of the Americas, focusing on the revival of classical learning and art. The Industrial Revolution occurred much later, transforming economies with the rise of industry and technology. The Reformation was a religious movement that aimed to reform the Catholic Church and took place concurrently with the Age of Exploration, but it was not directly caused by the discovery of the Americas.