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This was the beginning of European exploration overseas. Portugal would seek out new trade routes and discover wealth beyond Europe. -
Prince Henrys funds voyages spanning along the West Coast of Africa. This helped promote advances in European navigation and exploration. -
Bartolomeu Dias completes a successful sail around the tip of Africa. As a result a direct route to Asia is opened through the sea, allowing Europe to trade for spice and valuable goods more efficiently. -
Christopher Columbus leads a voyage to the Americas. This connects Europe to the Americas for the first time ever, leading to a widespread in exploration, trade, and colonization in the "New World". -
Spain and Portugal come to a mutual agreement to divide their newly discovered lands outside of Europe. Thus beginning colonial control and shaping global trade networks for decades to come. -
Vasco da Gama's voyage by sea leads him to India. Giving Portugal access to Asian spices and goods, revolutionizing global trade, and strengthening Portugals economic and political influence. -
Christopher Columbus's voyages lead to an exchange of crops, animals, people, and diseases between the Americas, Europe, and Africa. As a result there was a change in diets, populations, and economies worldwide. -
Vasco Núñez de Balboa becomes the first European to view the Pacific Ocean while in the Americas. This resulting in an advancement in geographic knowledge for Europe, giving new opportunities for trade routes in the Pacific. -
Ferdinand Magellan’s leads the first voyage around the world. Proving to the world that global travel was a possibility, allowing global trade. -
Sir Francis Drake voyages around the world, leading to an expansion in England’s trade networks while challenging Spains control. Showing that global exploration didn't have to be limited to Portugal and Spain.