Christopher Columbus is famous for discovering the New World in 1492. His expedition, sponsored by Spain, aimed to find a westward route to Asia but instead led to the European contact with the Americas. Columbus's voyages profoundly impacted global history, initiating a wave of exploration and colonization that transformed indigenous societies and ecosystems. While often celebrated, Columbus's legacy is complex and controversial, prompting discussions about colonialism, cultural exchange, and the consequences of European expansion for native populations.