Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sponsored by the Spanish crown, reached the Americas in 1492.

The search for new trade routes to Asia, particularly for spices and other valuable commodities, was a major driving force behind European exploration.

Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, successfully navigated the Cape of Good Hope in 1497, opening up a direct sea route from Europe to India.

Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador, led the conquest of the Aztec Empire in Mexico in the early 16th century.

The English established the first permanent colony in North America at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.

Pedro Álvares Cabral, a Portuguese explorer, discovered Brazil in 1500 while on his way to India.

Portugal established the first trading posts in India in the early 16th century, including the port city of Goa.

Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, led the conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru in the 1530s.

The English established the first permanent colony in Australia at Sydney Cove in 1788.

Henry Hudson, an English explorer, discovered the Hudson Bay in 1610 while searching for a northwest passage to Asia.

The English established the first permanent colony in New Zealand at Russell in 1840.

Bartolomeu Dias, a Portuguese explorer, discovered the Cape of Good Hope in 1488.

The Dutch established the first permanent colony in South Africa at Cape Town in 1652.

Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer, discovered the Mississippi River in 1541.

The French established the first permanent colony in Canada at Quebec City in 1608.