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Dutch Admiral Jacob Roggeveen discovered Easter Island on Easter Day 1722. His voyage, in search of terra australis and sponsored by the West Indian Company, set the stage for future voyages to the South Pacific. -
The French and Indian War was the conflict between France and Great Britain over the control of the vast colonial territory of North America. Ultimately, Britain won the War, secured massive territory, and expelled France from North America.
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In this period, James Cook began his first voyage and explored the east coast of Australia. Additionally, he found and charted all of New Zealand, and successfully navigated Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef.
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In 1767, British Admiralty Captain Samuel Wallis discovered Tahiti in a voyage of exploration to the South Pacific in search of Terra Australis. He introduced the island to European society and claimed the island in the name of King George III. -
In 1772, James Cook started his second voyage and proved that Terra Australis did not exist. Furthermore, he discovered New Caledonia, the South Sandwich Islands, and South Georgia. He also circumnavigated the globe from west to east and was the first to travel below the Antarctic Circle.
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The American Revolution was the war of the colonies against Great Britain's control over North America. Carried out by 13 of the colonies, the war began in 1775 and ended in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris. The colonies won and formed the United States of America with their new political independence.
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In his third voyage, 1776 to 1779, James Cook discovered Hawaii. Additionally, in the same exploration, he proved that the Northwest Passage was not a practical route starting from the west. -
The French Revolution was a time of major social upheaval. During this period, the French citizens uprooted the monarchy and feudal systems and abolished slavery.
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During this time, Antoine de Bruni charted the Tasmanian and Australian coasts and many of the islands in this region like Bruni Island, Nuyts Land, Van Diemen’s Land, etc. Unfortunately, de Bruni died in this exploration. However, his accurate maps allowed France to claim many of the islands that he discovered and expand their territory.