1. Exploration

2. Henry the Navigator

3. PortugalWest Coast of Africa 1415Opened School for Exploration

4. Ponce de Leon

5. SpainFountain of Youth 1493First European in U.S. (Florida)

6. John Cabot

7. EnglishNW Passage 1497First European in Mainland U.S. Claimed Canada for UK

8. Amerigo Vespucci

9. ItalianExploration Mapping 1501First to recognize New World as a new landmass

10. Vasco de Balboa

11. SpainCross the Isthmus of Panama 1513Found Pacific Ocean from Eastern Part

12. Hernan Cortez

13. SpainRumored riches inland 1518Conquered Aztecs and became Spanish hero

14. Ferdinand Magellan

15. SpainCircumnavigate the World 1519Died in Philippines Named Pacific Ocean

16. Giovanni da Verrazano

17. FrenchSearching for NW Passage. First European in NE Mainland U.S. 1524Ate by Carib Natives

18. Jacques Cartier

19. FrenchLooking for NW Passage 1534Named and Claimed Canada for the French

20. Samuel De Champlain

21. FrenchEstablished Quebec Colony 1603Governed French Colonies…Ma pped out NE Colonies

22. Henry Hudson

23. EnglishNW Passage 1611Discovered NY Harbor. Mutiny left him stranded at sea