Age of Exploration

Age of Exploration

Period: Nov 29, 1400 to Nov 29, 1650

Portugal's conquest of Morocco

Nov 1, 1415

Portugal's conquest of Morocco marked the beginning of European overseas exploration and territorial conquest.

Prince Henry

Nov 29, 1418

Prince Henry also known as Henry the Navigator, was a patron of explorers and naval technology. He founded a school for navigation which was greatly increased the experience of sailors during his time.

Bartholomew Diaz rounds the Cape of Good Hope

Aug 19, 1487

Diaz was the first European explorer to travel this distance by sea and he was only stopped because of bad weather. This also started the use multiple ports along the coast.

Christopher Columbus

Aug 3, 1492

Christopher Columbus is on of the more controversial figursin history. Although his discovery of the new world is considered a great feat for Europeans and the advancement of man, it is also considered to be the first step to the eradication of the Native Americans.

Columbus Discovers the New World

Oct 12, 1492

Christopher Columbus accidently discovered the Americas thinking that he found a new route to Asia. This marks the beginning of overseas colonization.

Vasco Da Gama

Jul 8, 1497

Vasco Da Gama was the frist explorer to find and all sea route from Europe to Asia.

Vasco Returns to Europe

Sep 8, 1499

This began the spice trade between Europe and Asia which greatly increased the commerce between the continents

Pedro Cabral discovers Brazil

Apr 22, 1500

The Portuguese claimed Brazil which began the major conquests of South America.

Golden Age of Spain

Dec 10, 1503

1503 marked the start of Spain's golden age. With resources flowing in from the New World, theyw were able to get ahead financially over other European nations.

Hernando Cortes

Aug 13, 1521

A Spanish conquistador that successfully conquered the Aztecs and almost wiped out their entire race. He also founded Mexico City as the Capital of New Spain. With these territories captured, he was able to extract the precious metals.

Ferdinand Magellan's Voyage

Sep 15, 1522

Magellan's voyage was the first to fully circumnavigate the world and therefore solidify that the world was round.

Jacques Cartier explores Canada

Jul 24, 1534

Cartier explored what is now the St. Lawrence part of Canada.

Phillip II of Spain

Nov 29, 1556

As the King of Spain during Spain's golden age, Phillip made huge improvements to his country. Known as an absolute ruler, Phillip ruled as he was sent from God and therefore his beliefs and actions were those of God himself.

The Price Revolution

Oct 9, 1580

With an abundant supply of gold and silver flowing into Europe from the New World, inflation became an issue and government funds were strained.

Dutch East India Company

Nov 23, 1602

First international trade company and the first company to implement stocks.