Who was the Italian explorer whose voyages in 1492 led to awareness of the Americas?

Christopher Columbus was the Italian explorer whose voyages in 1492 brought widespread awareness of the Americas to Europe. His journey across the Atlantic Ocean, sponsored by Spain, resulted in the landing on what is now recognized as the Bahamas on October 12, 1492. Columbus was initially seeking a westward route to Asia, but his expeditions instead led to the European discovery of the New World, significantly impacting global trade, culture, and history. This marked the beginning of a period of exploration and colonization that would alter the course of history for both Europe and the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Columbus's voyages are often credited with initiating sustained contact between Europe and the Americas, distinguishing him from other explorers of his time who did not make as significant a lasting impact in terms of awareness and subsequent exploration of the New World.