Why does christopher Columbus matter?

Answer 1

Christopher Columbus matters because he is credited with opening up the Americas to European exploration and colonization, which significantly altered the course of history. His voyages in 1492 marked the beginning of sustained contact between Europe and the Americas, leading to profound cultural, economic, and political changes on both continents. While often celebrated for his navigational achievements, Columbus's legacy is also controversial due to the negative impacts on Indigenous populations, including exploitation and disease. His journeys thus serve as a pivotal moment in understanding the complexities of global history.