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Why This Event: Ceuta's capture marked the beginning of European maritime exploration. It symbolized Portugal’s ambition to expand beyond its borders and control African trade routes, laying the groundwork for the Age of Exploration. -
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Why This Event: Dias's expedition demonstrated the feasibility of sailing to the Indian Ocean via Africa, overcoming geographical barriers that limited trade. This achievement was critical in establishing sea routes to Asia, which reshaped global trade networks. -
Why This Event: Columbus's voyage led to the permanent connection between Europe and the Americas. It initiated European colonization, the Columbian Exchange, and the transformation of economies, cultures, and ecosystems on a global scale. -
Why This Event: This treaty divided the non-European world between Spain and Portugal, formalizing the competitive nature of European expansion. It also influenced the distribution of territories and colonial powers for centuries. -
Why This Event: Da Gama’s journey was pivotal in establishing direct European access to the lucrative spice trade in Asia. This sea route reduced reliance on overland trade controlled by Middle Eastern and Asian intermediaries, boosting European economic power. -
Why This Event: The first circumnavigation of the globe proved Earth’s roundness and the interconnectedness of oceans, revolutionizing cartography and global trade. It also highlighted the vastness of Earth, reshaping European perspectives on exploration. -
Why This Event: Manila’s founding as a Spanish colony created a critical link between Asia, the Americas, and Europe. It facilitated the exchange of goods like silver, silk, and spices, making it a cornerstone of early globalization. -
The VOC was among the first multinational corporations and set the standard for large-scale global trade. Its innovative structure and dominance in spice trade established European influence in Asia, particularly Indonesia. -
Why This Event: Cook’s exploration expanded European knowledge of the Pacific and initiated British colonization in Australia. This marked a significant phase in global migration, resource exploitation, and cultural exchange, impacting indigenous populations profoundly. -
Why This Event: The abolition of the transatlantic slave trade was a landmark in human rights and ethics. It marked the beginning of shifts away from exploitative labor systems, influencing modern perspectives on equality and the global economy.