Exploration and Contact

  • Zheng He takes first voyage
    Jan 1, 1405

    Zheng He takes first voyage

    This was significant because this was the first time an expedition was launched to sail the oceans.
  • Prince Henry founds first navigation school
    Jan 1, 1419

    Prince Henry founds first navigation school

    This was significant because these navigation schools were what allowed European sailors to be successful in their voyages.
  • Ming China adopts isolationist policy following Zheng He’s seventh voyage
    Jan 1, 1433

    Ming China adopts isolationist policy following Zheng He’s seventh voyage

    This was significant because this was the first time that China decided to focus on fortifying their homeland rather than exploring.
  • Christopher Columbus lands in Hispaniola
    Jan 1, 1492

    Christopher Columbus lands in Hispaniola

    This was a significant event because he disocovered a continent.
  • Spain and Portugal sign the Treaty of Tordesillas
    Jan 1, 1494

    Spain and Portugal sign the Treaty of Tordesillas

    This was important because this allowed for the continuation of exploration.
  • Vasco da Gama reaches India
    Jan 1, 1498

    Vasco da Gama reaches India

    This was important because De Gama found a trade route that allowed the Portuguese to trade for spices, silk, and gems.
  • Tokugawa Ieyasu becomes shogun of Japan

    Tokugawa Ieyasu becomes shogun of Japan

    Tokugawa was important because he completed the unification of Japan, and defeated his rivals. 3 years later he became the shogun of Japan.
  • Manchus establish Qing Dynasty in China

    Manchus establish Qing Dynasty in China

    The Qing Dynasty was important because they expanded China's borders to include Taiwan, Chinese Central Asia, Mongolia, and Tibet.