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1341
The First Expedition
Portugal was the first to launch exploratory expeditions. They landed in India after multiple attempts. -
Period: 1341 to
Age of Exploration
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1421
Prince Henry Journey around Africa to Asia
Prince Henry from Portugal commissions a journey around what they call Africa’s “Cape of Good Hope” in order to reach Asia. They began journey takes multiple attempts before they finally reached India. -
1492
Christopher Columbus’s Voyage
Christopher Columbus from Spain went on a voyage in search for the East Indies. He instead discovered the Caribbean. -
1492
Columbus Lands in Guanahaní
Columbus set sailed from Spain with three small ships and landed on the Bahama island of Guanahaní, which he renamed San Salvador. -
1496
Henry VII let’s Cabot and His Sons Sail for Trade Routes to Asia
Henry VII of Britain was encouraged by news of Coloubus’ voyage and allowed Cabot and his three sons to sail for western trade routes to Asia. -
1497
Foundation of Canada and New England
Great Britain sought a Western route to Asia for trade but instead, John Cabot founded Canada and New England -
1508
The Foundation of Puerto Rico and “La Florida”
Juan Ponce de Leon explored and claimed Puerto Rico and “La Florida” for Spain. -
1511
Portugal Colonies in South America
Portugal lead mission to South America. They began to establish colonies there once they reached it. -
1520
Magellan names the Pacific Ocean
Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, found a strait leading westward which was extremely difficult to navigate. Eventually, Magellan sailed into the open ocean away from land. The ocean was calm which gave Magellan the idea to name the ocean the Pacific -
1534
France Joins the Expedition Race
France join the race later than the others, but explored North America at great lengths -
1542
France Attempts to Settle in North America
Sieur de Robervall from France was the first to captain a meaningful attempt by the French to establish a permanent settlement in North America. he was able to take over a camp left by Cartier at present-day Québec. The settlers then remained in North America for one brutal winter before returning to France. -
1566
Spain Send Voyages to Caribbean
Spain began to send voyages regularly in order to acquire gold and silver from the Caribbean to stimulate the Spanish economy -
1577
Francis Drake loots Spanish Settlements
Francis Drake passed through the Strait of Magellan and looted Spanish settlements on the Pacific coast which gave Great Britain 5,000 percent on their investment and added more than a quarter of a million pounds to the Queen's coffers. -
Great Britain Colonies in Eastern North America
Great Britain began establishing colonies in eastern North America in locations such as Roanoke, Jamestown, and others. -
France Founds Cities in Canada
France begin to found cities in Canada after landing their like Quebec, Trois-Rivières, and Montreal -
Samuel de Champlain helps promote New France
Samuel de Champlain founds Quebec and mades numerous Atlantic crossings in order to promote New France.