Age of exploration

By GraysonB228
  • Jan 1, 1415

    15th Century Portugal

    1415: Portugal captures Ceuta in North Africa, marking the beginning of its overseas expansion and interest in trade routes.
    1420s: Prince Henry the Navigator sponsors explorations along the west coast of Africa, promoting advances in navigation, cartography, and shipbuilding.
    1441: Portuguese explorers reach the Senegal River, beginning the Atlantic slave trade.
  • Jan 1, 1485

    15th Century England

    1485: Henry VII becomes king, fostering a climate of exploration as England seeks to establish itself in global trade.
    1497: John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto), sailing under the English flag, reaches the coast of North America (likely Newfoundland), marking one of the first European explorations of the continent since the Vikings.
  • Jan 1, 1492

    15th Century france

    1492: While Christopher Columbus sails for Spain, France begins to take interest in exploration, with French explorers seeking to find new trade routes.
  • Jan 1, 1492

    15th Century Spain

    1492: Christopher Columbus, sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, sails westward and lands in the Bahamas, marking the beginning of European exploration in the Americas.
    1493: Columbus returns to Spain with news of his discoveries, leading to further expeditions and the eventual colonization of the New World.
  • Jan 1, 1497

    16th Century Portugal

    1497-1498: Vasco da Gama successfully sails from Portugal to India, landing in Calicut and establishing a sea route that facilitates trade in spices.
    1500: Pedro Álvares Cabral discovers Brazil while on a voyage to India, claiming it for Portugal.
    1505: Establishment of the first Portuguese trading post in India at Cochin, marking the beginning of a significant empire in Asia.
  • Jan 1, 1513

    16th Century Spain

    1513: Juan Ponce de León explores Florida, becoming one of the first Europeans to reach the region.
    1519-1522: Ferdinand Magellan, sailing for Spain, leads the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, although he is killed in the Philippines.
    1533: Francisco Pizarro conquers the Inca Empire in Peru, leading to significant Spanish wealth from silver and gold.
  • Jan 1, 1524

    16th Century France

    1524: Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer sailing under the French flag, explores the east coast of North America, including present-day New York Harbor.
    1534: Jacques Cartier sails to Canada, claiming the land for France and exploring the St. Lawrence River, laying the groundwork for French claims in North America.
    1541: Cartier establishes the first French settlement in North America at Cap-Rouge, near Quebec, though it is not permanent.
  • Jan 1, 1558

    16th Century England

    1558: The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 marks the rise of England as a naval power, paving the way for future exploration and colonization.
    1576: Martin Waldseemüller publishes a map that includes the name "America," inspired by the travels of explorers like Columbus.
    1580: Sir Francis Drake completes the first English circumnavigation of the globe, providing valuable knowledge about global trade routes.

  • 17th Century Timeline Portugal

    1600s: Portugal's dominance in the spice trade continues, with key trading posts in India, the East Indies, and Africa, although competition from other European powers increases.
    1602: The establishment of the Dutch East India Company marks the beginning of intense competition for control over spice trade routes, challenging Portuguese dominance.

  • 17th Century Timeline Spain

    1600s: Spain continues to consolidate its vast empire in the Americas, facing increasing competition from other European powers, particularly England, France, and the Netherlands.
    1605: The publication of "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes reflects Spain's cultural richness during its imperial height, even as its political power begins to wane

  • 17th Century England

    1607: The establishment of Jamestown in Virginia becomes the first permanent English settlement in North America.
    1620: The Pilgrims sail on the Mayflower, establishing the Plymouth Colony in New England.
    1630s: The Puritans settle in Massachusetts Bay, further expanding English influence in North America.

  • 17th Century France

    1608: Samuel de Champlain founds Quebec City, marking the beginning of permanent French settlement in Canada and the establishment of New France.
    1610-1630s: The fur trade becomes a significant part of the economy in New France, leading to further exploration of the interior of North America.
    1663: New France becomes a royal province under King Louis XIV, promoting exploration and settlement.

  • 18th Century Timeline Spain

    1700: The War of the Spanish Succession begins, resulting in territorial changes in Europe and impacting Spain’s overseas empire.
    1713: The Treaty of Utrecht ends the war, leading to the loss of some European territories but confirming Spanish control over its American colonies.
    1714: Spain establishes a stronger presence in the Philippines, enhancing trade routes between Asia and the Americas.

  • 18th Century Timeline France

    1700s: France continues to expand its colonial empire, focusing on North America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
    1700: France solidifies its presence in Canada, with Quebec serving as a crucial administrative center for New France.
    1717: John Law establishes the Mississippi Company, promoting the settlement and development of Louisiana, which is seen as a vital area for French expansion.

  • 18th Century Timeline Portugal

    1700s: Portugal continues to consolidate its colonies in Brazil and Africa, focusing on resource extraction and trade, particularly in sugar and gold.
    1703: The Methuen Treaty with England strengthens economic ties, allowing Portuguese wines to enter England while benefiting from British goods in return.
    1711-1714: The War of the Spanish Succession sees Portugal allied with Britain and the Netherlands, enhancing its international standing.

  • 18th Century England

    1707: The Act of Union creates the Kingdom of Great Britain, leading to a more coordinated approach to exploration and colonization.
    1718: The British begin to settle in Australia, marking the start of a significant maritime exploration era in the Pacific.
    1730s: The establishment of several colonies in North America, including Georgia in 1732, enhances British presence on the continent