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Columbus sailed for Spain, instead lands in the Caribbean which initiates European colonization in North America -
John Cabot sails for England but ends up on the coast of modern-day Canada
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Vasco da Gama was the first European to establish a sea route to India.
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Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares claims Brazil for Portugal
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This voyage strengthened the Portuguese control over the Indian Ocean trade
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This event secures the Malacca Strait which is vital for the spice trade -
The first European expedition to land in present-day U.S. territory
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Spain establishes dominance in the Americas after defeating the Aztecs -
The first circumnavigation of the globe, proving the world's roundness
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Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, sailed for France, instead maps the U.S. East Coast
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This event allows Spain to gain control over Peru
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Cartier claims land along the St. Lawrence River for France -
Spain founded the first permanent European settlement in North America -
The first Englishman to sail around the world and challenges the Spanish dominance
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England's naval victory shifts global power from Spain to England
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British company expands trade in India and Southeast Asia
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The first multinational corporation is founded, controlled trading in Asia
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The first permanent English settlement is founded in North America -
This event leads to Dutch claims in North America
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Marks a new wave of English colonization -
The Dutch colony becomes New York under English rule -
Strengthens English influence in the fur trade
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Britain wins the war and secures dominance in North America and India over France
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This leads to British colonization of Australia -
Weakened by wars and independence movements in America