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Sailing for Spain, Columbus reaches the Caribbean, opening the way for European colonization of the New World. -
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama becomes the first European to reach India by sea, opening trade between Europe and Asia. -
Cabral, sailing for Portugal, lands in Brazil and claims it for Portugal under the Treaty of Tordesillas. -
Vasco Nunez de Balboa crosses the Isthmus of Panama and becomes the first European to see the Pacific Ocean -
Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet embarks on the first voyage around the world, proving the Earth is round and vast.
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Spanish conquistador Cortés leads the conquest of the Aztec Empire in Mexico, gaining vast wealth for Spain. -
Sailing for France, Verrazzano explores the east coast of North America, including New York Harbor. -
Spanish forces, led by Pizarro, defeated the Inca Empire in present-day Peru, expanding Spanish rule in South America. -
French explorer Cartier maps the St. Lawrence River and claims Canada for France. -
English privateer Francis Drake becomes the first Englishman to sail around the world, raiding Spanish ports along the way.
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The Netherlands establishes one of the world’s first multinational corporations to control trade in Asia. -
England establishes its first permanent colony in North America, paving the way for further English expansion. -
French explorer Champlain establishes Quebec, securing French influence in North America. -
English explorer, Hudson searches for a Northwest Passage but is abandoned by his crew in the bay that now bears his name. -
The Dutch settle New Amsterdam, a key trade hub later taken over by the English and renamed New York. -
The English take control of New Amsterdam from the Dutch, strengthening their colonial presence in North America.
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French explorer Robert de La Salle claims the Mississippi River basin for France, naming it Louisiana. -
The French established Fort Maurepas, strengthening their foothold in North America. -
This treaty ends the War of Spanish Succession and alters European colonial holdings in North America. -
A major conflict between Britain and France that reshapes colonial power in North America.
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Cook explores and maps vast parts of the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand, expanding British influence.
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James Cook claims Australia for Britain, marking the beginning of British settlement. -
Spain returns Louisiana to France, setting the stage for the Louisiana Purchase by the U.S. in 1803.
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Adam Tiamiyu, Adeola Alayande, Allison Velasquez, Manh Dinh