Aidan MacKenzie Exploration Timeline

Major imorovements are made in sailing ships.

Jul 7, 1400

Sailing improved in this age, allowing for boats to travel farther and longer. This opened the horizon for exploration to new continents. Explorers used these boats to bring glory to their nations.

Prince Henry the Navigator organizes a School of Navigation and base for explorations on Cape St. Vincent in Portugal

Jul 7, 1418

This school taught future explorers how to properly carry out explorations. This allowed for them to use their new boat technology to its full potential. This can explain why Portugal was an exploration powerhouse, since the school was located there.

The first Chinease ships reach Africa.

Jul 7, 1431

This marked an important event because it gave China the dominant factor in world trade. All of the riches of Africa made its way back to Asia and could then be sold again. This forced Europeans to make an attempt to catch back up in the game. Not only did this bring China wealth, but helped the world to udnerstand the continent of Africa even more.

The first auctions of black slaves take place in Portugal

Jul 7, 1442

These auctions increased the interest in the continent of Africa. It also showed that Portugal was becoming more of a world power. Slaves ended up becoming a major part of the work force of Europe. It brought in a large amount of income to the country in question. The number of exploration trips to Africa increased.

Moslem Turks capture the great Christian city of Constantinople

Nov 7, 1453

Some historians use this date as the beginning of the Renaissance. Right after this period, the Geonese put their financial support behind Portuegese efforts to find new routes to Asia. This brought in the first part of exploration, and pushed Europe to the forefront.

Columbus discovers the West Indies in the New World. Cloumbus learns the compass changes direction slightly due to longitude. Last Muslims are driven from Spain.

Jul 7, 1492

This is a big discovery for Columbus in that the West Indies were full of good things to trade. Him learning about the compass allowed for better overall understanding of navigation. The driving out of the Muslims allowed for Spain to focus on its expansion and colony forming.

Treaty of Tordesillas divides the world's undiscovered lands between Spain and Portugal

Jul 8, 1494

This was an important advancement for exploration because of the two countries involved. Spain and Portugal were dominant powers, and the fact that they decided to split the lands meant they could focus on expanding and less competition. It could be said that it was the olive branch of exploration.

Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reaches India by rounding the tip of Africa

Jul 8, 1497

This trip gave Europe the answer it was looking for, a way to pass the Muslims and reach India. This voyage marked European expansion into India to use its resources for European gain. It allowed for Portugal to establish a long lasting colony in India.

Columbus discovers the American continent but believes it is part of Asia

Jul 8, 1498

Columbus reaching the Americas is one of the first exploration voyages not aimed towards finding a trade route to India. Even though he was mistaken in what he actually found, other explorers followed in his footsteps. The Americas became a main focus for colonization years later.

Amerigo Vespucchi explores along the coast of South America and decides it is a new continent and is not part of Asia

Jul 8, 1499

This was a correction of Columbus's earlier mistake in thinking the Americas were part of Asia. The American continents were actually name in honor of Amerigo. He figured out the difference because of prior knowledge of Asia and America's size.

Portuguese explorers reach the Spice Islands in the East Indies

Jul 8, 1512

This discovery the Portuguese another massive outlet for trade. This was one major goal of the Europeans; to reach these islands. Portugal set up a colony there as well, broadening their already large trade empire.

Balboa crosses the Ishmus of Panama and discovers the Pacific Ocean. Ponce de Leon lands in Florida.

Nov 8, 1513

The discovery of the Pacific showed the unseen side of the Americas, prompting more exploration. The landing in Florida gave Spain a very important foothold in North America. This marks a much greater understanding of North America.

Fall of the Aztec Empire to Spanish forces. The capital of New Spain (Mexico City) is built on the ruins of Tenochitlan

Nov 8, 1521

The Aztecs had been one of the most powerful empries in the Americas and they fell to the smaller forces of the Spanish. Spain gained another massive amount of land in the newest continent. All of the wealth from there streamed back to Spain.

Sir Francis Drake destroys much of the Spanish fleet as it lays anchored in the harbor of Cadiz, Spain

Nov 8, 1587

This event saw the beginning of England being the overall superpower. England had been clawing its way up through the ranks, and used this event to spread out there own navy. England began to become a colonial power, establishing numerous colonies in America.

Dutch explorers discover Austrailia

Nov 8, 1606

Austrailia was one of the last major landmasses discovered by any nation. It was discovered by the Dutch, yet colonized by the English. Australia served as an important colony for years.