The Explorers

I. Christopher Columbus Makes 4 trips from 1492 – 1504 claiming lands for Spain Believes that he had found islands off the east coast of India

II. Vasco da Gama Sails around the southern tip of Africa and across the Indian Ocean to India in 1498 Returns to Portugal with many rich trade goods No need for overland trade routes

The Treaty of Tordesillas - 1494 Pope Alexander VI draws imaginary line on a map of the Atlantic Ocean All “new” lands west of the line are Spain’s all “new” lands east of the line are Portugal’s May only claim lands not already held by Christian rulers

Yellow = Spanish Speaking Possessions Blue = Portuguese Speaking Possessions

III. Vasco Núñez de Balboa Settles on Hispaniola in 1502 1513 makes an overland crossing of the isthmus of Panama and gazes on the Pacific Ocean

IV. Amerigo Vespucci 1497 – 1504 makes several crossings of the Atlantic Unlike others he thinks that this is a completely “new world,” not a part of Asia

V. Ferdinand Magellan Sails across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans Dies in 1521 in the Philippine Islands Crew sails on and is first to make an around the world voyage

VI. Hernan Cortés 1518 – 1519 Lands in Mexico and conquers the Aztec people Plunders and claims the land for Spain

VII. Francisco Pizarro Leads expedition into S. America 1530 conquers the Inca and claims lands and wealth for Spain

VIII. De Soto and Coronado Explore much of the American south looking for fables Fountain of Youth and City of Gold

The Columbian Exchange New World Old World Corn Disease Tobacco - Influenza Tomatoes - Smallpox Beans Horses Chocolate Sheep Gold/Silver Oranges