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Prince Henry the Navigator established a navigation school in Portugal. This contributed to the creating of lighter, more seaworthy ships such as the caravel.
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The fall of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, led to the cutting off of the trade route with Asia, causing the Roman Empire to try to find another trade route. This was one of the reasons for undertaking exploration trips.
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Under these treaties, the Catholic Monarchs recognized Portuguese sovereignty over most of West Africa. This allowed Portugal to dominate the trade in gold, slaves, ivory, and spices.
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On this date, Christopher Columbo's journey began. He reached the Caribbean shores. This was the first step in his discovery of the American continent.
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Spain and Portugal agree to divide the discovered lands outside of Europe.
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The Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama led his voyage, which began in Lisbon. During this voyage, he succeeded in rounding the Cape of Good Hope. This voyage opened a direct trade route between Europe and Asia.
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Portugal establishes a trading post in India. This allowed European trade to dominate Asian markets.
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The Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan sailed from Seville to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. This journey led to the discovery of the Strait of Magellan, a sea passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which also proved that the Earth is spherical.
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Britain established the East India Company. This company expanded trade with Asia and contributed to the growth of the European colonial empire.
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The Suez Canal was established, which facilitated trade between Europe and Asia.