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1492
Christopher Columbus Reaches America
Columbus sailed for Spain, instead lands in the Caribbean which initiates European colonization in North America -
1497
John Cabot Explores North America
John Cabot sails for England but ends up on the coast of modern-day Canada -
Period: 1497 to 1498
Vasco da Gama Reaches India
Vasco da Gama was the first European to establish a sea route to India. -
1500
Pedro Alvares Cabral Discovers Brazil
Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares claims Brazil for Portugal -
1502
Second Voyage of Vasco da Gama
This voyage strengthened the Portuguese control over the Indian Ocean trade -
1511
Portugal Captures Malacca
This event secures the Malacca Strait which is vital for the spice trade -
1513
Juan Ponce de Leon Explores Florida
The first European expedition to land in present-day U.S. territory -
1519
Hernan Cortes Conquers the Aztec Empire
Spain establishes dominance in the Americas after defeating the Aztecs -
Period: 1519 to 1522
Ferdinand Magellan's Voyage
The first circumnavigation of the globe, proving the world's roundness -
1524
Giovanni da Verrazzano Explores North America
Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, sailed for France, instead maps the U.S. East Coast -
1533
Francisco Pizarro Conquers the Inca Empire
This event allows Spain to gain control over Peru -
1534
Jacques Cartier Explores Canada
Cartier claims land along the St. Lawrence River for France -
1565
Establishment of St. Augustine
Spain founded the first permanent European settlement in North America -
Period: 1577 to 1580
Sir Francis Drake's Circumnavigation
The first Englishman to sail around the world and challenges the Spanish dominance -
Defeat of the Spanish Armada
England's naval victory shifts global power from Spain to England -
Founding of the East India Company
British company expands trade in India and Southeast Asia -
Founding of the Dutch East India Company
The first multinational corporation is founded, controlled trading in Asia -
Founding of Jamestown
The first permanent English settlement is founded in North America -
Henry Hudson Explores the Hudson River
This event leads to Dutch claims in North America -
Pilgrims Arrive in Plymouth
Marks a new wave of English colonization -
The English Take New Amsterdam
The Dutch colony becomes New York under English rule -
Founding of the Hudson's Bay Company
Strengthens English influence in the fur trade -
Period: to
Seven Years' War
Britain wins the war and secures dominance in North America and India over France -
James Cook Explores Australia
This leads to British colonization of Australia -
Decline of Spanish and Portuguese Empires
Weakened by wars and independence movements in America