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Portuguese explorers discover the Madeira islands marking the beginning of Portugal’s exploration and colonization efforts -
Dias becomes the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa opening sea route of Asia -
Columbus sponsored by Spain reaching the new world, landing in the Bahamas and marking the beginning of European exploration in the americas. -
Cabot sailing under the English flag, reaches the coast of North America claiming land for England. -
Da Tamar’s voyage to India establishes a direct sea route from Europe to Asia boosting trade with the east -
Cabral accidentally lands on the coast of Brazil claiming it for Portugal and beginning Portuguese colonization in South America -
Balboa crosses the isthmus of Panama and becomes the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the new world. -
Magellan fleet under Spanish flag becomes the first to circumnavigate the globe providing the earth is round -
Verrazzon sailing for France explores the east coast of North America including New York harbor -
Pizarro leads the Spanish conquest of the Inca empire ( in present day Peru ) expanding Spanish territories in South America. -
Cartier explores the gulf of Saint Lawrence claiming the region for France and marking the beginning of French exploration in Canada -
Drake becomes the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe raiding Spanish settlements along the way -
The first permanent English settlement in North America is established in Jamestown Virginia -
Samuel de Champlain establishes Quebec City solidifying French presence in North America -
Pilgrims aboard the mayflower establish Plymouth colony (present day Massachusetts) seeking religious freedom. -
Robert de la salle explores the Mississippi River and claims the surrounding territory for France naming it Louisiana