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Christopher Columbus is often credited with opening up the Americas to European exploration due to his voyages in the late 15th century. His famous journey in 1492, sponsored by Spain, marked the beginning of sustained European contact with the Americas. Columbus's arrival in the Caribbean introduced European nations to the possibility of colonization, exploitation of resources, and trade in the New World, fundamentally altering the course of history.

Columbus's voyages were significant not only for their immediate results but also for their long-term impact on global trade, culture, and the indigenous populations of the Americas. His expeditions led to the establishment of various settlements and provided the impetus for further exploration by other European powers, creating a pathway for future explorers and colonizers.

Other explorers, while important in their own right, did not have the same immediate and far-reaching impact on European exploration of the Americas as Columbus did.