What was a direct result of Columbus's voyages in the context of European relations and trade?

The correct answer is indeed the increase in conflict and colonization. Columbus's voyages, beginning in 1492, opened up the Americas to European exploration and exploitation. His discovery of the New World triggered a wave of European interest in the region, which led to intense competition among European powers such as Spain, Portugal, France, and England. This competition often resulted in conflict as nations vied for control over land, resources, and trade routes.

The arrival of Europeans disrupted the existing societies in the Americas. Colonization efforts began almost immediately, with Europeans asserting dominance over Indigenous populations through military force, enslavement, and disease that decimated native populations. The establishment of colonies laid the groundwork for future conflicts and created a complex web of trade relationships that would evolve over the coming centuries.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the outcomes of Columbus's expeditions. Peace treaties were not a direct result, as the focus was more on conquest than diplomatic relations, and there was no end to maritime exploration; rather, Columbus's voyages sparked an era of extensive exploration. Lastly, the period following Columbus's expeditions saw little to no expansion of democracy in the newly colonized territories, which were largely governed through imperial control rather than democratic principles.