Write a short note on Great European Discoveries of late 15th century.

The late 15th century witnessed a series of monumental European discoveries that expanded the known world and had profound consequences for global history. These voyages, often fueled by a desire for wealth, trade routes, and the spread of Christianity, marked the beginning of the Age of Exploration.

Christopher Columbus (1492-1504):
In 1492, sponsored by Spain, Christopher Columbus set sail with the intention of finding a westward route to Asia. Instead, he stumbled upon the islands of the Caribbean, making landfall in the Bahamas. Columbus's voyages opened the Americas to European exploration and colonization, establishing a lasting connection between the Old and New Worlds.

Vasco da Gama (1497-1499):
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama embarked on a groundbreaking journey to find a sea route to Asia. In 1498, he successfully rounded the Cape of Good Hope, opening a direct maritime route to India. This not only facilitated lucrative spice trade but also established Portugal as a major player in global trade networks.

John Cabot (1497):
Sailing under an English flag, John Cabot explored the coast of North America, possibly reaching parts of Canada. While his specific achievements are debated, Cabot's voyages are considered early English attempts to establish a presence in the New World.

Amerigo Vespucci (1499-1504):
Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci embarked on voyages to the Americas, and his writings contributed to the realization that these lands were distinct from Asia. The name "America" was later derived from his first name, as his accounts influenced cartographers and geographers.

Impact on Global History:
The Great European Discoveries had profound and lasting effects on global history. They initiated an era of increased global interconnectedness, trade, and cultural exchange. The exchange of goods, plants, animals, and ideas between the Old World and the New World, known as the Columbian Exchange, had transformative impacts on economies and societies on both sides of the Atlantic.

These discoveries also triggered a wave of colonization as European powers sought to establish overseas empires. The quest for resources and new trade routes fueled competition among nations and contributed to geopolitical tensions, setting the stage for centuries of exploration, conquest, and colonization.

While these expeditions brought significant advancements in navigation, cartography, and maritime technology, they also had detrimental consequences, including the exploitation and mistreatment of indigenous populations, the spread of diseases, and the disruption of established societies.

In summary, the Great European Discoveries of the late 15th century reshaped the known world, opening new frontiers for exploration, trade, and colonization. These voyages not only transformed the economic and cultural landscape but also laid the groundwork for the global interconnectedness that characterizes the modern world.