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Marking the beginning of European overseas expansion, Portugal captured Ceuta in North Africa, creating a foothold for future exploration.
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Christopher Columbus’ voyage led to the permanent contact between Europe and the New World, igniting the Columbian Exchange.
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Spain and Portugal divided the non-European world between them, shaping early colonial territories and competition.
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Vasco da Gama’s journey to India opened maritime trade routes to Asia, revolutionizing global trade networks.
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Ferdinand Magellan's expedition became the first to circumnavigate the globe, proving the world’s roundness and connecting distant regions.
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The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire dramatically shifted power in the Americas and expanded European colonization efforts.
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This marked the establishment of the first permanent European settlement in what is now the United States, laying groundwork for future colonization.
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The Dutch created the world’s first multinational corporation, exemplifying the rise of global capitalism.
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This event marked the beginning of institutionalized slavery in North America, shaping its demographic and economic history.
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The fight for independence from Britain showcased the spread of Enlightenment ideals and reshaped global politics and trade.