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Jan 1, 1450
The search for new sea routes
A Portugal prince named Henry the Navigator urged sea captains to find a sea around the African continent to the Spice Islands -
Jan 1, 1492
The search for new routes
Christopher Columbus pursuaded the king and queen of Spain Ferdinand and Isabella to support an expedition of exploration. Also in 1492 he led his first expedition. On another voyage Columbus reached South America in 1498 -
Jan 1, 1497
The Northwest Passage
John Cabot was sent on a voyage to the West by King Henry VII. Cabot landed on the far northern Atlantic coast of North America. And like other explorers he failed to find the Northwest Passage. -
Period: Jan 1, 1497 to Jan 1, 1498
New sea route to the Spice Islands
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama finds a route to the Spice Islands -
Period: Sep 3, 1508 to Sep 3, 1509
Spanish Exploration
Juan Ponce de Leon explored and settled the island of Puerto Rico. Spain took notice and King Ferdinand authorized Ponce de Leon to explore lands north of Cuba. And in 1513 Ponce de Leon set out with ships and crew. His expedition landed on the east coast of Florida a name Ponce de Leon derived from the Spanish word for flowers. -
Jan 1, 1524
Verrazano's expedition
King Francis I of France sent Italian navigator Giovanni da Verrazano westward. He first reached land at North Carolina's Outer Banks. Verrazano then explored farther up the coast. After returning to France Verrazano submitted a glowing report to the king.