The Evolution of the Age of Exploration

Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire

1453

The fall of Constantinople, the capitol of the Byzantine Empire or the Eastern Roman Empire. This resulted in a significant part of Eastern Europe being ruled by the Ottomans, forcing the creation of new trade routes.

Bartolomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope

1488

Bartolomeu Dias rounding the Cape of Good Hope, then venturing into the Indian ocean was a huge landmark for Portuguese exploration. This would mark the Portuguese as some of the top explorers of their time.

Columbus begins exploring for Spain

1492

Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing on behalf of Spain, began his expeditions in 1492. This would, to many, mark the spark which would eventually ignite the flame of the Spanish Empire.

Vasco De Gama lands in India

1498

This was one of the most important moments in the Age of Globalization, and marked a big turning point for the developing Portuguese Empire. The control of Goa as a trading port established their dominance as a trading empire.

Hernan Cortés first makes contact with the Aztec empire

1519

This event was very important in the establishment of the Spanish Empire. It would give rise to the wave of conquistadors, and would lead to the Spanish conquest of South America.

Treaty of Tordesillas

1529

The Treaty of Tordesillas was a legal document which split the claims of the Portuguese and Spanish empires. This document was truly concrete proof of the establishment of both the Portuguese and Spanish empires.

Fall of the Aztec and Incan Empires

1530

This event established Spanish dominance on the South American continent, especially upon the Native populations. This would create the foundation for what we know now as the South American countries.

First arrival of the Jamestown Settlers

1607

This would mark a large impact on the efforts of colonialism, especially on the New World. This would mark the beginning of English impact upon the New World.

French and Dutch establish colonies in the Americas

1615

This event truly shows how many European powers were trying to include themselves in the efforts of colonialism. It was proving to become highly popular.

Beginning of the American Revolution

1775

This marked the beginning of the American Revolution, which was one of the most important events marking the end of the Age of Exploration. It shows how much dominance the Europeans had established in America.