During which centuries did the major colonization of the Americas occur?

The major colonization of the Americas took place primarily during the 1500s and 1600s. This period was marked by significant European exploration and establishment of colonies, particularly by nations such as Spain, France, and England. The 1500s saw early explorers, like Christopher Columbus in 1492, lay the foundational claims for European powers in the New World, leading to waves of settlers and the establishment of settlements throughout the following century.

While colonization continued into the 1700s and beyond, much of the significant initial groundwork—such as the establishment of major colonies, interactions with Indigenous populations, and the expansion of European territories—was concentrated in the 1500s and 1600s. This is why the answer highlighting this timeframe accurately reflects the major colonization events that significantly shaped the Americas.