Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer, is believed to have reached North America around the year 1000, centuries before Christopher Columbus.

The English established the first permanent settlement in North America at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.

The primary motivation for European exploration and settlement of the Americas was economic opportunity, including the search for gold, silver, and other valuable resources.

Spain established the largest colonial empire in the Americas, which included much of Central and South America, as well as parts of North America and the Caribbean.

The Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the French and Indian War and gave Britain control of most of North America, including Canada and the Ohio River Valley.

England established the first permanent settlement in Australia at Sydney Cove in 1788.

The primary motivation for European exploration and settlement of Africa was economic opportunity, including the search for gold, ivory, and slaves.

England established the largest colonial empire in Africa, which included much of Southern Africa, as well as parts of West Africa and East Africa.

Pan-Africanism, Negritude, and African nationalism were all movements that sought to end European colonialism in Africa.

Portugal established the first permanent settlement in Asia at Goa, India, in 1510.

The primary motivation for European exploration and settlement of Asia was economic opportunity, including the search for spices, silk, and other valuable goods.

England established the largest colonial empire in Asia, which included much of India, as well as parts of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Pan-Asianism and Asian nationalism were both movements that sought to end European colonialism in Asia.

The long-term consequences of European exploration and settlement of the world include the spread of European culture and technology, the rise of global trade and capitalism, and the displacement and decimation of indigenous populations.

European exploration and settlement had a profound impact on the development of the modern world, leading to the rise of nation-states, the development of modern capitalism, the spread of European culture and technology, and the displacement and decimation of indigenous populations.