-
Prince Henry of Portugal founded a school for navigation, which helped advance maritime technology and trained explorers.
-
Dias became the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa, proving a sea route to Asia was possible.
-
Columbus, sailing for Spain, reached the Americas, believing he had found a route to Asia.
-
Spain and Portugal agreed to divide newly discovered lands along a meridian, giving Spain control of most of the Americas.
-
Cabot, sailing for England, reached the coast of present-day Canada, claiming land for England.
-
Vasco da Gama successfully sailed to India, establishing direct trade between Europe and Asia.
-
While sailing to India, Cabral landed in Brazil, claiming it for Portugal.
-
Cortés led an expedition that defeated the Aztecs and claimed Mexico for Spain.
-
Pizarro captured and killed the Incan ruler Atahualpa, securing Spanish control over Peru.
-
Cartier claimed parts of Canada for France, naming the region “New France.”
-
England, under Queen Elizabeth I, defeated Spain’s powerful navy, solidifying its maritime dominance.
-
England established its first permanent colony in North America, which later played a key role in the British Empire.
-
Champlain established Quebec as a fur trade hub and France’s first permanent settlement in North America.
-
While searching for a Northwest Passage, Hudson explored the river that now bears his name.
-
La Salle traveled down the Mississippi River, claiming the Louisiana Territory for France.
-
A conflict between France and England over North American territory, leading to the loss of French control in Canada.