What was the European invasion of America?

The European invasion of America refers to the series of explorations, conquests, and colonization efforts by European powers, primarily Spain, England, France, and Portugal, starting in the late 15th century. This period was marked by the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 and subsequent expeditions that led to the establishment of European settlements across the continent. The invasion resulted in significant cultural exchanges, the spread of diseases that devastated Indigenous populations, and the establishment of European dominance over vast territories. It fundamentally altered the social, political, and economic landscapes of the Americas.