The Explorers

I. Christopher Columbus

Makes 4 trips from 1492 – 1504 claiming lands for SpainBelieves 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 1498Returns to Portugal with many rich trade goodsNo need for overland

trade routes

The Treaty of Tordesillas - 1494

Pope Alexander VI draws imaginary line on a map of the Atlantic OceanAll “new” lands west of the line are Spain’s all “new” lands east of the line are Portugal’sMay 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 15021513 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 AtlanticUnlike others he thinks that this is a completely “new world,” not a part of Asia

V. Ferdinand Magellan

Sails across the Atlantic and Pacific OceansDies in 1521 in the Philippine IslandsCrew sails on and is first

to make an around the world voyage

VI. Hernan Cortés

1518 – 1519 Lands in Mexico and conquers the Aztec peoplePlunders and claims

the land for Spain

VII. Francisco Pizarro

Leads expedition into S. America1530 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 ExchangeNew World Old WorldCorn DiseaseTobacco - InfluenzaTomatoes - SmallpoxBeans HorsesChocolate SheepGold/Silver Oranges