Globalization and Exploration

By brookestumpf
  • 1419

    Prince Henry the Navigator Opens a School For Navigation (Portugal)

    This is where Portugal's investment in exploration began, leading to major advancements in shipbuilding, cartography, and navigation of the ocean.
  • 1486

    Christopher Columbus Reaches The Americas

    Columbus's voyage was funded by Spain to find a westward sea route to Asia, specifically India and China, in search of gold and spices. When he landed in the Americas, he connected it with Europe forever, marking the beginning of sustained European contact with the New World.
  • 1493

    Treaty of Tordesillas

    Spain and Portugal divided the non-European world between them with approval from the Pope, shaping the boundaries of their empires. This solidified the division of the New World and the subsequent colonization efforts.
  • Period: 1497 to 1492

    Vasco de Gama Reaches India By Sea

    His successful route around Africa linked Europe directly to Asian spice markets. It opened new global trade routes and broke the Muslim-Italian spice monopoly.
  • Period: 1519 to 1521

    Magellan's Expedition Circumnavigates The Globe

    Though Magellan died enroute, his crew completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth, proving the world's vastness and strengthened global connectivity.
  • 1521

    The Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire By Cortés

    Cortés’s conquest, assisted by disease and alliances, took over the powerful Aztec civilization. This led to a major wealth transfer to Europe and created opportunities for further colonization.
  • 1533

    Spanish Conquest of the Inca Empire By Pizarro

    Pizarro captured the Inca empire, leading to Spain's control over a lot of South America. This sealed Spanish dominance in the Americas and boosted the gold supply in Europe.

  • Establishment of the British East India Company

    This was a joint stock company that managed British trade and colonization in Asia. It marked the rise of powerful global corporations shaping colonialism and trade.

  • The First Enslaved African Americans Brought to Jamestown, VA - The English Colonies

    This event marked the beginning of the institution of slavery that would continue on for many years in America. It positively contributed to plantation economies but had long-term social and racial consequences.

  • Peace of Westphalia Ends Thirty Years War

    The treaties ended major religious wars in Europe and recognized the sovereignty of nation-states. It shifted European focus from internal conflict to outward expansion and trade.