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1400
Prince Henry Sponsors Voyages and Begins the Age of Exploration
Prince Henry, being aware of Africa, its trade routes, and resources, began to sponsor voyages to the Atlantic and down the coast of Africa. -
1456
The Portuguese Discovers Cape Verde
When the Portuguese discovered the islands, there were no people living there. It became an important place for ships to stop at to and from the African coast. A permanent settlement was later founded on the islands. -
1488
Bartholomew Diaz Proves a Route to Asia is Possible
The first European explorer to have sailed around the southern coast of Africa successfully and prove that a trading route from Europe to Asia could work. -
1492
Christopher Columbus Discovers America
After getting a sponsor from Queen Isabella, he landed in the Bahamas Islands thinking they were the Spice Islands. He names them the "Indies" and people living there "Indians". -
1497
John Cabot Claims Canda for England
John Cabot, a Venetian explorer and navigator, voyaged to North America where he later claimed the land in Canda for England. -
1498
Vasco da Gama Discovers Direct Route from Europe to Asia
He became the first European to find a ocean trading route to Asia. This discovery will later lead to long-lasting colonial empires in Asia and Africa and increases in economy for Portugal. Access to new resources and riches were opened because of his voyage. -
1500
Pedro Álvares Cabral Discovers Brazil
The Portuguese explorer was credited with discovering Brazil in South America. A fleet led by him reached the Brazilian coast on April 22. -
1502
Christopher Columbus Explores for a Passage to Orient
He went on a final voyage to the New World and explored areas of the Caribbean to hopefully find a passage to the Orient. He also explored parts of southern Central America but found himself and his men stranded for nearly a year. -
1521
Hernan Cortes Conquered the Aztecs
A Spanish explorer and conquistador that, with his small army in comparison with the Aztecs, landed on the coast of Mexico and conquered the capital city of Tenochtitlan. -
1524
Verrazzano Discovers and Names North American Sites
He set out with his crew on a sail to the New World and became the first European explorer to name North American sites after persons and explore the Atlantic coast. -
1534
Jacques Cartier Navigates the St. Lawrence River
Jacques Cartier was the first European to navigate the St. Lawrence River. His explorations from the river along with the the Atlantic coast of Canada later laid foundations for the French claims to North America. -
1550
The Commercial Revolution Begins
The creation of a European economy that involved trading, commerce, and large influences in economy and resources. -
1577
Francis Drake Circumnavigated Earth
Francis Drake, an English explorer, became the 2nd person to circumnavigate the Earth. He set out to raid Spanish holdings and settlements on the Pacific coast of the New World. -
The East India Company was Founded
English merchants that wanted to use the trade and exploit it in India and the East and Southeast Asia, formed the company. Using the company, the English broke the Portuguese and Spanish monopiles over the East Indian spice trade. -
The Dutch East India Company is Founded
Wealthy Dutch merchants founded the Dutch East India Company to further their goals in being the major European commercial power in the east. The company would later get into conflicts with the English East India Company. -
Willem Janszoon discovered Australia
Janszoon was sailing for the Dutch East India Company to find trade opportunities in the East Indies. He landed at Queensland thinking he was on the southern extension of New Guinea. He later explored again and landed on western Australian coast, thinking he found an island. -
Henry Hudson Explores North America's Coast
Hudson found Greenland, the Hudson River, and the Hudson's Bay over several voyages. -
England Begins Establishing Colonies
England starts to begin focus on establishing colonies in the east. English protestants who rejected the Church of England landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The 13 colonies and Pilgrims became America later on. -
Abel Tasman Discovers New Zealand and Tasmania
Tasman was sailing for the Dutch East India Company who sent him to look and explore parts of the ocean to the east of Australia. He later discovers several islands which are Fiji, Tonga, Tasmania, and New Zealand. -
The War of Spanish Succession Begins
Many battles were fought between many parties who had people that claimed to have rights to ascend the throne. These events created a large turmoil in Europe. -
Treaty of Paris Ends the War
The Seven Years War, from which the French were defeated, came to an end. The French were forced to handing over a majority of their territory to Great Britain including parts of Canada. This treaty also led to Great Britain reaching an unprecedented peak.