-
Prince Henry founded his school for navigation in order to increase sailing efforts in Portugal. He sent many expeditions from Portugal to the west coast of Africa.
-
Bartolomeu Diaz led an expedition from Portugal to the African Coast. A huge storm blew his ships around the southern tip.
-
Vasco Da Gama reaches India after rounding Africa. His voyage shows Portugal can access Asian markets directly, instead of through indirect overland routes.
-
Portugal defeats Muslims and gains control over the Indian Ocean trade.
-
Portugal takes over Malacca, which gives them a major port with Indian trade. He takes down the Muslim-Italian monopoly on trade down a peg.
-
Ferdinand Magellan set out with with a Spanish fleet to sail the east coast of South America.
-
Ferdinand Magellan's crew sailed all the way around the world. He proved that the Earth was round, not flat.
-
England founds the East India Company to exploit the trade of spices.
-
Dutch merchants create the Dutch East India Company to try and further their quest to be the major European power in India.
-
While trying to find the Dutch East India Company in India, Dutchman Willem Janszoon discovers Australia.