Age of Exploration and Globalization

  • 1487

    From Portugal to the Indies

    From Portugal to the Indies
    Bartholomeu Dias starts his 16 month journey of exploration. Establishing trade and knowledge of navigation for future explorers.
  • 1492

    Columbus Reaches Americas

    Columbus Reaches Americas
    Following up on Dias exploration knowledge, Columbus lands in America. Initiating European colonization and the Columbian Exchange
  • 1498

    Reaching India by Sea

    Reaching India by Sea
    Vasco da Gama navigates by sea to India. Sailing around Africa, establishing a direct sea route between Europe and Asia.
  • 1519

    Magellan's Circumnavigation

    Magellan's Circumnavigation
    Ferdinand Magellan started his global circumnavigation journey. Once completed, this demonstrated the interconnectedness of the worlds seas. Expanding geographical knowledge
  • 1528

    Exploring North America

    Exploring North America
    Cabeza de Vaca begins exploration of North America. First arriving in Florida and claiming it for Spain.
  • 1543

    Reaching Japan

    Reaching Japan
    Portuguese explorers land in Japan for the first time. Only finding this route by being caught in a storm and blown off course.
  • 1571

    Manila Galleon Trade

    Manila Galleon Trade
    Andrés de Urdaneta discovered a return route from the Philippines to Mexico. Establishing the trade routes between Asia and the Americas
  • 1576

    Frobisher Explores Canada

    Frobisher Explores Canada
    Landed in a Canadian bay, today known as Frobisher Bay. Encountering indigenous people initiating conflict and making trade hard to complete.
  • The Dutch United East India Company

    The Dutch United East India Company
    Trading company founded and utilized to the protect that states trade in the Indian Ocean. Quickly rising to a significant power in this time period.
  • Exploring the Coast of the Americas

    Exploring the Coast of the Americas
    After previously failed voyages, Henry Hudson turned to the Dutch East India Trade Company to sponsor his exploration trips. Sailing under the Dutch flag, he sailed to the coast of the Americas.