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1415
1415
Portugal captures Ceuta in North Africa, marking the start of European overseas expansion. -
Period: 1415 to 1499
1400s
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1488
1488
Portuguese explorer Bartolommeo Dias rounds the Cape of Good Hope, proving a sea route to Asia is possible. -
1492
1492
Christoper Columbus, sailing for Spain, reaches the New World (Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola). -
1494
1494
Treaty of Tordesillas divides newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal. -
1497
1497-1499
Vasco de Gama (Portugal) sails around Africa to India, opening a direct sea route to Asia. -
1500
1500
Pedro Álvares Cabral claims Brazil for Portugal. -
Period: 1500 to 1580
1500s
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1513
1513
Vasco Núñez de Balboa (Spain) crosses Panama and is the first European to see the Pacific Ocean. -
1519
1519-1522
Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition (Spain) becomes the first to circumnavigate the globe. -
1534
1534
Jacques Cartier (France) explores the St. Lawrence River, laying the foundation for New France. -
1565
1565
Spain establishes St. Augustine, Florida, the first permanent European settlement in what is now the U.S. -
1577
1577-1580
Francis Drake (England) completes a circumnavigation of the globe. -
1607
England establishes Jamestown, the first permanent English colony in North America. -
Period: to
1600s
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1608
Samuel de Champlain (France) founds Quebec, strengthening France’s North American presence. -
1620
The Pilgrims (England) establish Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. -
1673
Marquette and Joliet (France) explore the Mississippi River, expanding French claims in North America.