Europeans began exploring routes to Asia in the late 15th century to bypass Middle Eastern traders and gain direct access to valuable goods. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas while seeking an eastern trade route, believing he had reached Asia. Subsequent European powers like Spain, Portugal, France, and England laid claim to parts of the newly discovered lands and competed for control and resources. By the early 18th century, England had established several colonies along the eastern coast of North America, including the colony of Georgia in 1732.