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1500
John Cabot's Expedition to the New World
In 1500, John Cabot, an Italian explorer sailing under the English flag, embarked on an expedition to the New World. His voyage aimed to explore and establish English claims in the uncharted territories of North America. Although specific details of this expedition remain unclear, it laid the foundation for future English exploration and colonization in the Americas. Cabot's voyage paved the way for England's growing presence in the New World during the Age of Exploration. -
Period: 1500 to
Age of Exploration Timeline Activity
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1501
Pedro Álvares Cabral's Discovery of Brazil
Cabral's expedition led to the discovery of Brazil and Portuguese claims in South America. -
1502
Christopher Columbus's Fourth Voyage
In 1502, Christopher Columbus embarked on his fourth and final voyage to the Americas. Although his earlier voyages are more renowned, this expedition marked Columbus's determination to explore new territories. During this journey, he explored the coasts of Central and South America, further contributing to European knowledge of the New World. -
1507
Martin Waldseemüller's Map Names America
Waldseemüller's map is one of the first to label the New World as "America." -
1513
Vasco Núñez de Balboa Crosses the Isthmus of Panama
Balboa's crossing unveils the Pacific Ocean to Europeans and its vast potential. -
1519
Hernan Cortes Finds the Aztec Empire
Hernan Cortes landed on the coast of what is now Mexico in 1519. In a few years, he would conquer the Aztec Empire. -
1522
Ferdinand Magellan's Finishes His Circumnavigation Across the Earth
Magellan's voyage became the first recorded circumnavigation of the Earth. -
1524
Giovanni da Verrazzano Explores the Atlantic Coast of North America
Verrazzano's exploration contributed to European knowledge of the eastern coast of North America. -
1534
Jacques Cartier Explores Canada
Cartier's exploration of Canada laid the foundation for French presence in North America. -
1550
Bartolomeu Dias' Historic Voyage Recognized
In 1550, Bartolomeu Dias' groundbreaking expedition in 1488, during which he successfully sailed around the southern tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope, received widespread recognition and acclaim. His voyage, which had initially aimed to establish a sea route to the riches of the East Indies, ultimately changed the course of history. It opened the doors to new trade routes, connecting Europe to Asia, and played a pivotal role in the Age of Exploration. -
1577
Sir Francis Drake's Circumnavigation
Drake's circumnavigation of the globe contributed to English exploration and maritime power. -
The Defeat of The Spanish Armada
The defeat of the Spanish Armada by the English enhanced English naval power and diminished Spanish dominance. -
Formation of the Dutch East India Company
The Dutch East India Company was established, becoming a major player in Asian trade. -
Founding of Jamestown, Virginia
Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in North America. -
Henry Hudson's Exploration of the Hudson River
Hudson's voyage led to the discovery of the Hudson River and Dutch claims in New Netherland. -
Adriaen Block Explores New England
Block's exploration contributed to Dutch knowledge of New England and the coast of Long Island Sound. -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was signed by English Pilgrims, establishing a self-governing system in Plymouth Colony -
Peter Minuit Purchases Manhattan Island
The purchase of Manhattan marks the beginning of Dutch settlement in the New World. -
Founding of New Amsterdam (New York City)
Dutch settlers established New Amsterdam, which later became a major colonial hub. -
English Capture New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam was renamed New York after being taken over by the English. -
Dutch Recapture New York
Dutch forces briefly regained control of New York during the Third Anglo-Dutch War. -
William Penn Establishes Pennsylvania
William Penn found Pennsylvania as a haven for Quakers and other religious groups. -
Treaty of Ryswick
The Treaty of Ryswick ended the Nine Years' War, confirming Spanish control over the Spanish Netherlands (modern-day Belgium). -
Formation of the Great Peace of Montreal
This treaty between New France (French Canada) and Native American tribes aims to promote peace and trade. -
Start of the French and Indian War
The conflict between France and Britain over North American territories contributed to the outbreak of the Seven Years' War. -
James Cook's First Pacific Voyage
Cook's explorations in the Pacific Ocean contribute to our understanding of Oceania. -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre escalated tensions between American colonists and the British Crown. -
Declaration of Independence
The American colonies declared their independence from Britain, leading to the American Revolutionary War. -
Alexander von Humboldt's South American Expedition
Humboldt's scientific expedition in South America advanced knowledge in various fields, including geography, botany, and climatology.