Age of Exploration

The Fall of Constantinople

1453

The Ottoman Empire captured Constantinople, putting an end to the Byzantine Empire. This prompted European nations to seek new trade routes to Asia. Routes would have to bypass Ottoman-controlled lands

Columbus Reaches the Americas

1492

Christopher Columbus successfully completed a voyage to the Americas, sponsored by Spain. He landed in the islands of the Caribbeans, believing he had found a new trade route to Asia. This marked the beginning of European colonization in the Americas.

John Cabot Explores Newfoundland

1497

John Cabot was an Italian Explorer, sailing under the English flag. He landed in what is now Canada. His voyage is considered the first documentation of English exploration in North America.

Vasco Da Gama Reaches India

1497

Vasco Da Gama was a portuguese explorer. He successfully completed a voyage to India by navigating around the southern tip of Africa. This route bypassed the dangerous land route through the silk road, establishing Portuguese trade opportunities with India.

Ponce de Leon Explores Florida

1513

Ponce de Leon was a Spanish explorer. The main goal of his journey was to find the mythical Fountain of Youth. He claimed the region for Spain and called it "La Florida"

Vasco Nunez de Balboa crosses the Isthmus of Panama

1513

Vasco Nunez de Balboa was a Spanish explorer. He is credited with being the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas. His discovery proved the Americas were separate from Asia.

Hernan Cortes Begins Conquering of the Aztecs

1519

Hernan Cortes was a Spanish Conquistador that landed in Mexico. He formed alliances with rival indigenous groups and used superior weaponry to defeat the Aztecs. He completed his goal in 1521 by capturing the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.

Ferdinand Magellan Circumnavigates the Globe (1519-22)

1519

Ferdinand Magellan was a portuguese navigator sailing for Spain. Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines, but his crew finished the journey. The journey proved Earth's roundness and the possibility of global sea travel.

Portuguese Establish a Trading Post in India

1526

The mission was commanded by Francisco de Almeida. The Portuguese established the first trading Post in India in the city of Cochine. This established them as a colonial power in Asia that controlled vital spice trade routes, but also put a target on their back for other European powers

Alvarez Nunez Cabeza de Vaca beings expedition through North American Southwest

1528

Alvarez Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish explorer. The original mission was to explore Florida, but a shipwreck occurred. Him and a small group embarked on a journey through America's Southwest, and documented interactions with the interior Native American tribes,

Francisco Pizarro Conquers the Inca Empire

1533

A Spanish Conquistador that captured and executed the Inca emperor Atahualpa. With a small army Pizarro was able to capture a large amount of gold and silver. The conquest expanded Spain's influence in South America and their treasury

Jacques Cartier Explores Eastern Canada

1536

Cartier was a French explorer that sailed into the mouth of the St. Lawrence river, claiming it for France. The part he explored is now modern day Quebec. His travels increased French interest and involvement in North American colonization

Hernando de Soto Explores the American Southwest

1541

Soto was a Spanish explorer that lead an expedition across the Mississippi River to the American Southwest. His journey was plagued by conflicts with Native Americans as he searched for gold and other riches. He provided Europeans with crucial knowledge of the interior of North America.

Spanish Establish St. Augustine

1565

St. Augustine became the first European settlement in what is now the United States. The original goal of the establishment was to protect Spanish holdings in America from France and England. It served as a base for further Spanish exploration and colonization.

The Portuguese and Spanish Crowns Unite

1580

Following the death of Portugal's king, they were left without an heir, so they decided to unite with Spain under King Phillip II. This would come to be known as the Iberian Union. It brought important Portuguese colonies and trade routes under Spanish control.

England defeats the Spanish Armada

1588

The Spanish Armada was a massive fleet of ships sent by King Phillip II to invade England. Through a series of decisive victories English established itself as a rising maritime power and weakened Spain's naval power. The victory increased England's role in overseas exploration and colonization.

Dutch East India Company is founded.

1599

The Dutch East India Company was founded by the Netherlands to control trade with Asia, particularly spices. It became one of the world's first multinational corporations and played a crucial role in Dutch imperialism. The success of the company contributed to Dutch dominance in world trade through the 17th century.

Dirk Janszoon Discovers Australia

1606

Dirk Janszoon led the first European voyage to land in Australia. While he did not claim the land for the Netherlands, he contributed to the border European knowledge of Australia's existence. The expedition laid the groundwork for future Dutch and British colonization.

The English Establish Jamestown Colony

1607

Jamestown was the first English colony established in North America. The colony struggled with food shortages and Native American conflicts, but eventually found success with tobacco farming. It laid the foundation for future British colonization in North America.

Henry Hudson Discovers the Hudson River

1609

Hudson was an English explorer seeking alternate routes to Asia. He sailed up the river now named after him in what is now modern day New York. Though he did not find a route to Asia, he opened up new opportunities for Dutch colonization.