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1488
Bartolomeu Dias Cape Of Good Hope explores the tip of Africa
Bartolomeu was a Portuguese explorer, who was the first to reach the southern tip of Africa. -
1492
Christopher Columbus discovers the Americas
Christopher Columbus began his voyages in 1492, eventually discovering the Americas. Many native Americans were killed off by Columbus and the various diseases they brought. -
1519
Ferdinand Magellan’s Circumnavigation of the Globe
Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe proved that the earth was round. He also opened up new trade routes between Asia and Europe. -
1524
Giovanni da Verrazzano discovers the Eastern coast of America
Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer, sailed from the eastern coast of North America to Canada. He was the first explorer to travel across that part of the continent, and discovered what would become modern day New York Harbor. -
1527
Cabeza de Vaca discovered the land that would become modern day Texas
Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish explorer, who was also the first European to travel through Texas. He and his crew shipwrecked on the coast of Florida, and spent 8 years wandering the American Southwest. -
1532
Pizarro captures Incan emperor Atahualpa
Shortly upon capturing the emperor, Pizarro took over the rest of the Incan Empire. -
1534
Cartier explores eastern Canada
Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, traveled up the St. Lawrence river into Eastern Canada. He claimed the land under French control and created a territory in present day Quebec. -
1543
The Portuguese reach Japan
The Portuguese reached Japan, who were wealthy and powerful, marking a major milestone in European exploration. -
1576
Frobisher explored Northern Canada
Martin Frobisher, in search of gold, sailed to Northern Canada. He discovered samples of what he thought were of gold, but they turned out to be fool's gold. -
1577
Second Circumnavigation Around the Globe
Francis Drake embarked on his second circumnavigation of the globe. He sailed around the tip of South America, through the Pacific Ocean, past the Spice Islands, and returned to England in 1580. -
Group of English Merchants Discover the East India Company
The East India Company was the first joint-stock company in England. It held a monopoly on trade with India, quickly becoming one of the most powerful companies in the world. -
Group of Dutch merchants Discovered the Dutch East India Company
The Dutch East India Company was also granted a monopoly on trade with India, which naturally led it to become fierce rivals against the East India Company. The Dutch East India Company played a major role in the spice trade. -
Hudson Explores the Coast of North America
Henry Hudson, sponsored by the Dutch East India Company, explored the area around present day metropolitan New York. -
Founding of the Hudson Bay
Henry Hudson embarked on his third expedition which was funded by the Dutch Eastern Indian company. Him and his crew spent a harsh winter on this bay, and hence decided it to name it the Hudson Bay. -
England Establishes Colonies in the Eastern Seaboard
These colonies were established to produce money for the motherland. This is known as mercantilism. -
Anne Hutchinson Establishes a Settlement in the Island of Aquidneck
Anne Hutchinson was a very famous Puritan, opposing religious codes and female limitations. After being exiled, she established this settlement. -
Founding of the Dutch Colony at Cape Cod of Good Hope
Founded by Jan Van, the colony was built to serve as a resupply point and way station for United East India Company vessels. -
Establishment of Pennsylvania
An English Quaker by the name of William Penn founded Pennsylvania upon being granted a charter of 45,000 square miles of land. This charter was given to him by no other tan King Charles II. -
French and Indian War
The American Indians fought the French in an effort to maintain their land and cultural future. -
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the battle between the 13 colonies and Britain. After declaring enough of Britain's taxations and unfair treatment, the colonies decided to rebel. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris signified the end of the American Revolution, as Britain recognized U.S. independence.