In the New World the era of Western colonialism was initiated by who?

The era of Western colonialism in the New World was initiated by Christopher Columbus, whose voyages starting in 1492 led to the European awareness of the Americas. His encounters with the indigenous populations and subsequent claims for Spain marked the beginning of extensive European exploration and colonization. This period saw various European powers, including Spain, Portugal, France, and England, establish colonies and exploit the resources of the New World.