Key Events in European Exploration and Colonization (15th-18th Century)

15th Century Exploration and Trade

• Europe's Trade: Controlled by Genoa and Venice, primarily dealing in spices and silk from the Indies.
• Ottoman Expansion (1453): Seized Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire and Italian republics' golden age.
• Portuguese Ambitions: Development of the Caravelle; exploration towards Africa to open new trade routes to the Indies.

Columbus and the Spanish Expeditions

• Columbus's Proposal (1484): Initially rejected by Portugal; later funded by Spain to reach Asia by sailing west.
• Discovery of the Americas (1492): Columbus lands in the Caribbean, mistakenly believing it to be Asia.
• Colonial Foundations: Establishment of La Isabella; Treaty of Tordesillas divides new territories between Spain and Portugal.

The Portuguese and South American Colonization

• Vasco da Gama (1498): Reaches India via the Cape of Good Hope.
• Brazil: Named for its red dye-producing wood.

Spanish Conquests

• Conquistadors: Explore and conquer vast regions in the Americas.
• Cortes and the Aztecs (1519-1521): Conquered Tenochtitlan; smallpox devastates local populations.
• Pizarro and the Incas: Conquest of the Inca Empire amidst civil strife; establishment of Lima.

European Rivalries and New World Colonization

• French and Dutch Expeditions: Conflict over resources; establishment of colonies in Brazil and North America.
• British Expansion: Jamestown established; conflict with France over Acadia.
• Treaties and Territorial Changes: Treaty of Utrecht (1713) results in British dominance.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

• Development: Driven by the demand for labor in plantations and mines; significant growth in the 17th century.
• Jesuit Opposition: Missionaries protect indigenous populations.

British and Russian Expansions

• British Colonization: Focus on North America; founding of Savannah to curb Spanish expansion.
• Russian Exploration: Vitus Bering maps Alaskan coastlines.

18th Century Conflicts and Outcomes

• French and Indian War (1754-1763): French and British conflict in the Ohio Valley; leads to French loss of most American territories.
• British Dominance: Post-war financial strains lead to increased taxation of colonies.