Age of Exploration Timeline

By Jayden C.
  • 1341

    Portugal

    Portugal
    First to launch exploratory expeditions and Prince Henry the Navigator commissions a journey around Africa's
    "Cape of Good Hope" to Asia.
  • 1492

    Voyages of Christopher Columbus

    Voyages of Christopher Columbus
    Christopher Columbus was funded by Spain and found America while searching for a new route to Asia.
  • 1497

    The Cornish rebellion

    The Cornish rebellion
    British sought a Western route to Asia for trade aka "Silk Road" for expensive and dangerous. John Cabot found Canada and New England and established colonies in eastern North America.
  • 1500

    Portuguese Exploration of Africa

    Portuguese Exploration of Africa
    Portuguese sailors started exploring the coast of Africa to find new trade routes to Asia.
  • 1521

    Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire

    Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire
    Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztec Empire in Mexico.
  • 1533

    The Inca Empire is Conquered

    The Inca Empire is Conquered
    Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire in Peru and added vast territories to the Spanish Empire.
  • 1534

    King Francis I

    King Francis I
    Explore North America at great length (Ohio, Mississippi River, Rocky Mountains, etc.) claimed most of present-day Canada founded the cities of Detroit, St.Louis, and New Orleans.
  • 1565

    Spanish Settlement of Florida 

    Spanish Settlement of Florida 
    Spanish expeditions established settlements in Florida witch added to Spain's territorial claims in the New World.

  • Exploration of North America

    Exploration of North America
    Many explorers from European nations like England, France, and the Netherlands started exploring and colonizing parts of North America.

  • The Dutch East India Company

    The Dutch East India Company
    The Dutch East India Company was established and was becoming a major force in Asian trade and exploration.

  • Founding of Jamestown

    Founding of Jamestown
    English settlers established the first permanent English colony in North America at Jamestown Virginia.

  • Founding of Quebec City

    Founding of Quebec City
    Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City which was the first permanent French settlement in North America.

  • Dutch Colonization of New Amsterdam

    Dutch Colonization of New Amsterdam
    The Dutch established the colony of New Amsterdam which later became New York City expanding their presence in North America.

  • French Exploration of the Mississippi River

    French Exploration of the Mississippi River
    French explorers checked out the Mississippi River and claimed land in North America.

  • Henry Hudson's Voyages

    Henry Hudson's Voyages
    English explorer Henry Hudson made many voyages in search of a northwest passage to Asia and he explored regions like New York and the Hudson Bay.

  • Treaty of Utrecht

    Treaty of Utrecht
    The Treaty of Utrecht ended the War of the Spanish Succession and led to the transfer of various colonial territories.