The discovery of the New World by Europeans led to profound global changes, primarily the establishment of transatlantic trade networks, including the Columbian Exchange. This exchange facilitated the transfer of goods, people, and ideas between the Old World and the New, dramatically altering diets, economies, and cultures on both sides. It catalyzed European colonization and expansion into the Americas, leading to the exploitation of indigenous populations and the establishment of slavery as Africans were forcibly transported to work on plantations. Additionally, it ushered in an era of exploration and competition among European powers, setting the stage for the modern world’s geopolitical landscape.