Age of Discovery

Prince Henry the Navigator

Jan 1, 1419

In 1419, Henry founded a navigation school on the southwestern coast of Portugal. Mapmakers, instrument makers, shipbuilders, scientists, and sea captains gathered there to perfect their trade.

Bartolomeu Dias

Aug 1, 1488

First European to sail around the south coast of Africa and up along the east coast.

Christopher Columbus discovers the Caribbean Islands

Oct 12, 1491

Christopher Columbus wanted to reach the East Indies by sailing west acroaa the Atlantic Ocean. He ,however, greatly underestimated the size of Earth. There were two previously unknown continents that seperated Spain and the East Indies. On October 12 he discovered the Caribbean Islands accidentally and believed he had reached the East Indies. This event is the second most important event because if Columbus hadn't accidentally found the New World, then the land there wouldn't have been claimed

Columbian Exchange

Jan 1, 1493

Begining in 1493, Columbus brought nearly 1,200 settlers and a variety of European animals and plants. Europeans found new foods and transported them back to the Old World. Plus, old plants from Europe were taken to the New World. This was the seventh most important event because the Columbian Exchange helped Europeans have food to eat, such as potatoes, and it helped Native Americans hunt better because horses were introduced to the New World.

Amerigo Vespucci

Jan 1, 1497

Explored up and down the coast of South America. America was named after him.

John Cabot

May 2, 1497

Claimed coastal lands in present day Canada and U.S. for England. Founded colonies.

Vasco da Gama reaches India

Jul 8, 1497

Vasco da Gama set sail for India with four ships on July 8,1497. He sailed around the Cape of Good Hope that was previously discovered by Barthalomeau Dias to India. He arrived in the great spice port of Calicut. This was the least important of the ten events because it proved highly profitable but had no true impact other than helping the Portugese become even more powerful.

Spanish Settlers and Missionaries

Jan 1, 1500

A flood of Spanish settlers and missionaries followed the conquisdators to Spain's new empire. Wherever they went,they established colonies, claiming the land and its people for their King and Church. This is the third most important event because when other countries saw how vast the Spanish Empire was becoming, new competition arouse and caused wars and alliances for the new land.

Juan Ponce de Leon

Mar 3, 1513

Spanish explorer and soldier who was the first European to set foot in Florida. Went searching for riches and the Fountain of Youth. Landed on the East Coast of Florida(St. Augustine) and named it "Pascua de Florida" (feast of flowers) and claimed the land for Spain.

Hernan Cortes Conqueres the Aztecs

Aug 13, 1521

In 1519, Hernan Cortes began an inland trek with 600 men, 16 horses, and a few cannons toward the Aztec capital,Tenochtitlan. Finally in 1521, Cortes and his Indian allies captured and demolished Tenochtitlan.This event was the eigth most important because without the conquering of the Aztecs, the Spanish's empire wouldn't have expanded.Thus eliminating many historical events that took place and possibly another country would have conquered the Aztecs instead.