What significant event took place in 1492 that affected the Americas?

The year 1492 is significant in history primarily due to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Caribbean. This event marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the Americas, which had profound effects on the indigenous populations, ecosystems, and future European settlement. Columbus's voyages opened the pathway for the extensive exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas between the Old World and the New World, known as the Columbian Exchange. This interaction led to significant social, political, and economic changes across the globe. The arrival of Columbus is often seen as a pivotal moment that set the stage for a dramatic transformation of both the Americas and Europe over the subsequent centuries.