Age of Exploration and Globalization

  • 1415

    Portuguese Capture Ceuta

    I chose this because it was the beginning of European overseas expansion. Portugal gained access to African trade routes and sparked further exploration along the African coast.
  • 1488

    Bartolomeu Dias Rounds the Cape of Good Hope

    Dias proved that it was possible to sail around Africa to reach the Indian Ocean, opening the door for European trade with Asia by sea.
  • 1492

    Christopher Columbus' First Voyage

    Columbus' voyage connected Europe and the Americas for the first time. It began the Columbian Exchange.
  • 1497

    Vasco Da Gama's Voyage to India

    Da Gama's voyage linked Europe and Asia by sea for the first time. It launched centuries of European involvement and control in the Indian Ocean Trade.
  • 1519

    Cortes Conquers the Aztec Empire

    Spain took over majoy Indigenous civilizations in the Americas and opened access to wealth in silver and land.
  • 1533

    Pizzaro Conquers the Inca Empire

    Spain's capture of the Inca Empire expanded its power in South America and led to major shifts in Andean culture.
  • Dutch East India Company Established

    This was the first major global corporation with government-like powers. It represents the early creation of global trade networks and capitalism.
  • Jamestown Founded

    This was the first permanent English colony in North America marking the beginning of English settlement, plantation economies, and eventually the rise of the United States.
  • The First African Slaves Arrive in Jamestown, Virginia

    This created the transatlantic slave trade, which lasted centuries. This event had an impact on global economies, contributing to the growth of plantation economies in the Americas.
  • The Agriculture in Europe

    The Agricultural Revolution led to surplus food production in Europe, which supported population growth and urbanization.