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Oct 12, 1492
Columbus Lands in the Caribbean
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May 4, 1493
Line of Demarcation Created, dividing world between Spanish and Portuguese
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Jun 7, 1494
Portugal Claims Brazil
Although Spain continues to claim land in South America, a large region remains outside its empire. In the Treaty of Tordesillas, Portugal claims Brazil and issues grants of land to Portuguese nobles. European settlers move to Brazil to farm brazilwood and sugar. -
Jun 24, 1497
John Cabot lands in North America
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May 20, 1498
Vasco de Gama reaches India by sailing around Africa
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Apr 25, 1507
"New World" renamed America after Amerigo Vespucci
A German mapmaker reads reports about Columbus' "New World," written by the Italian sailor Amerigo Vespucci. The mapmaker names the region America, and the Caribbean islands Columbus initially explored are named the West Indies. -
Feb 1, 1519
Hernan Cortes lands in Mexico
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Sep 8, 1522
Magellan's ship the Vittoria completes its journey around the world without its captain
