Exploration

Exploration

Period: Jan 1, 1400 to Dec 31, 1566

The Age of Exploration

Jan 24, 1400

In the early 14--s, people began to look to the seas and beyond. The age of exploration and discover had begun.

Christopher Columbus

Aug 3, 1492

Christopher Columbus led his first expedition westward. He landed in the Bahamas, islands he believed to be near Asia.

Vasco da Gama

Jun 15, 1497

In 1497-1498, Portugese explorer Vasco da Gama found such a route and sailed all the way to India.

The New World and Old World

Oct 12, 1497

A great interaction between the "New World" and "Old World" took place. This interaction is sometimes referred to as the Columbian Exchange. Plants, animals, and even diseases moved between Western and Eastern Hemispheres.

The Spanish Exploration

Feb 3, 1500

In the early 1500s, Spain was taking control of much of South and Central America and many Caribbean islands, including Cuba and Hispaniola.

Spain

Sep 3, 1520

Spain was the most powerful nation in the world. Spainish explorers had claimed huge tracts of land in the New World.

Verrazano's Expedition

Feb 6, 1524

King Francis 1 of France sent italian navigator Giovanni da Verrazano westward. Verrazano first reached land at North Carolina's Outer Banks. Across those narrow islands he thought he saw the pacific ocean.

De Soto's Expedition

Sep 3, 1539

Hernando de Soto sailed with a military expedition from Havana, Cuba, to the west coast of Florida. From there, de Soto's soldiers marched northward to a site near present-day Tallahasse, Florida.

France and Spain Fight For Land

Apr 30, 1562

Other European nations were challenging Spain. In 1562 France sent a clolny under the command of Jean Ribault to North America.

Fort Caroline

Sep 4, 1565

Spain sent troops to Florida. South of Fort Caroline. Menendz built a fort at St. Augustine. France planned to attack Spain. A storm wrecked his fleet, Menendz lost no time in dealing with the unlucky French. He captured most of the French defenders.