Geographical discoveries ( 15th - 17th century) ||English Escaped

From the 15th to the 17th century, geographical discoveries played a key role in shaping the world, opening new ideas and pathways for trade, science, and cultural exchanges. This period was crucial for Europe, as they explored new lands and oceans. Here’s a brief description of some of the major geographical discoveries during this time:

Christopher Columbus (1492): Columbus discovered America in 1492 while searching for a new route to India. This discovery opened up the American continent to Europe and initiated new trade routes across the Atlantic Ocean.

Vasco da Gama (1498): The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama found a direct sea route to India by sailing around the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope). This route connected Europe with Asia, establishing new trade connections.

Ferdinand Magellan (1519-1522): Magellan's expedition was the first to successfully circumnavigate the globe, though he died in the Philippines. His journey proved the concept of a round Earth and contributed to the first known circumnavigation of the world.

John Cabot (1497): Cabot reached the eastern coast of North America, which later became an important area for British colonies. His discovery paved the way for future British exploration in the New World.

Amerigo Vespucci (1501-1502): Amerigo Vespucci’s voyages confirmed that the lands Columbus discovered were not part of Asia but a new continent. The continent was later named "America" after him.

Hernan Cortes and Francisco Pizarro: Spanish explorers Cortes and Pizarro defeated large empires like the Aztecs and Incas, taking control of their territories and expanding the Spanish Empire in the Americas.

Scientific Discoveries: This period was not only about exploration but also about scientific advancements. Maps, like those of Ptolemy, were revised, and new tools such as the compass and astrolabe were developed to make navigation more accurate.

Trade Routes: These geographical discoveries opened up new sea and land routes that promoted international trade. The search for spices, gold, and silver strengthened European powers economically.

This era is known for European powers expanding their global influence and economic systems through these discoveries.