What cultural impact did Christopher Columbus' discovery have on the world?

The cultural impact of Christopher Columbus' discovery primarily revolves around the integration of the Americas into a global trading and cultural system. When Columbus made his voyages in the late 15th century, it led to the extensive exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe and the newly encountered lands. This exchange established what is often referred to as the Columbian Exchange, where not only commodities like sugar, tobacco, and cotton were traded, but there was also a significant movement of people and cultural practices.

The discovery catalyzed European colonial ventures, resulting in the establishment of trade routes and colonies that would shape the economic, social, and cultural landscapes of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This global interaction fundamentally altered the economies and demographics of these regions and laid the groundwork for a more interconnected world, influencing everything from agricultural practices to language and religion.

By contrast, the other options are related to various historical developments but are not directly linked to Columbus. The Protestant Reformation and the idea of religious individualism pertain to shifts within Christian theology and practice, and modern physics relates to advances in science that emerged much later, long after Columbus' voyages had taken place. Therefore, the choice indicating that Columbus' discovery brought the Americas into a global trading and cultural