-
Period: Jan 1, 1400 to Jan 1, 1460
Prince Henry the Navigator
During the 1400s Prince Henry the Navigator sent many ships down the coast of Africa, but never went himself. These expeditions were so important because they created much needed maps that helped establish trade routes, and helped spread chrisitanity. -
Period: Jan 1, 1400 to Jan 1, 1499
Muslim and Italian merchants control trade between Europe and Asia
Due to Muslims controlling trade, Europeans decide to look for alternate routes. After countries herd of alternate ways for trade a competition for each captain in Europe arose to find the fastest non tax trade route. This led to many sailors earning their fame. -
Period: Jan 1, 1400 to Jan 1, 1433
Ming Dynasty and exploration
During this time period in Chinese history the famous captain Zheng He led several voyages that were unmatchable at the time. Now the dynasty itself was with a Chinese imperial family. China made great strides with trade and exploration in this time period, but after Zheng He died they went into the became more cautious. -
Jan 1, 1492
Christopher Columbus
Many people know that Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492 when he found America, but many don't know he was not aiming to find new land. He actually was trying to find a new route to Asia by sailing towards the west and hoping to come around on the east. Luckily for him he found the new world instead of a new trade route, even if he did not know it at the time. -
Jan 1, 1493
Line of Demarcation
This line was an imaginary line drawn by Pope Alexander VI to divide the new world into two parts. The left side of the line was given to Spain and the right part of the line to Portugal. This was later revised by the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 which gave Spain the new land to the west of the line and Portugal land to the east of the line. -
Jan 1, 1497
Vasco da Gama
Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who was the first to find a route leading from Europe to Asia. At the time this was a gigantic find because now many merchants could sail to the Indian Ocean to trade without being taxed by the muslims. Not only did this help the Portuguese with trade, but also helped them set up strong empires in Asia. -
Jan 1, 1500
Pedro Alvares Cabral
Pedro Alvares Cabral was a POrtuguese nobleman, military commander and explorer who is credited with finding South America or more specifically Brazil. He commanded the first significant trip down the South American border where he helped claim more land for Portugal. By taking this trip he not only got land for Portugal, but also helped the world know how big the continent actually was. -
Jan 1, 1502
Vasco da Gama 4th Armada
In 1502 Vasco da Gama was the commander of the 4th Armada which designed to avenge the 2nd Armada and the massacre of the Portuguese factory in 1500. This was da Gama's second trip to India and we all know what happened on the first trip. Along the way the 4th Armada established a factory and made contact with open trade along the African coast. -
Jan 1, 1511
Afonso de Albuquerque
Afonso de Albuquerque was a great Portuguese conqueror that helped spread Christianity and control the trading of spices. Along with having all this power Afonso was also the first European to explore the Persian Gulf. Lastly, he helped build one of the first Portuguese empires in Asia. -
Jan 1, 1519
Ferdinand Magellan
Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer who set out to become the first to make it to the East Indies. Now you might not think this is special, but he started from West Europe which would lead to the circumnavigation of the globe. Sadly he did not make the whole trip and ended up dieing, but his crew made it. -
Jan 1, 1521
Spain and the Philippines
In 1521 Spain took over the Philippines in order to control more trade routes and spread their religion. This of course gave Spain more power and money because of the taxes on trade. The spreading of the religion also helped strengthen their religion in the race for power with the other high ranked nations. -
Jan 1, 1521
Magellan’s Expedition
On April 27, 1521 Ferdinand Magellan was killed in during a battle in the Philippines. A journey that meant so much was ended for him just like that, but his crew went on. At the time they were close to the Western Indies and the voyage later ended in 1522. -
Jan 1, 1543
Portuguese and Japan
After years of hiding in the dark Japan finally allowed only a number of Portuguese ships to land in their docks. When they did trade was offered, religions were introduced, and news was given to the people. This was a big statement for Japan because for many years after Spain’s invasion on the Philippines the Japanese were very cautious and let no people enter or leave their country. -
The Happy Return
The Happy Return was was a great time in Dutch history, Many traders came back after a year of absence with many spices and wealth. This not only raised the economy, but also gave the Dutch more power in the world of trade. -
The Dutch and East India Company
This company is considered by most to be the first multi company in the world. This 21 year running company mainly traded spices for wealth and other goods. -
Japanese ban western merchants
After Japan started to hear more and more about the concerning of more and more countries they went completely into the dark. This meant they completely banned merchants and trade. Sadly, this went on for many years, but after the came out of their hiding they were very behind.
