Age of Discovery: History of New European Exploration in the Americas, India and the Far East

The epoch often referred to as The Age of Discovery, alternatively known as The Age of Exploration, characterizes a pivotal era spanning the transition from the 15th century to the 18th century in European history. It was a time brimming with maritime expeditions led by intrepid European sailors, venturing into uncharted territories across the globe.

Foremost among these adventurers were the Portuguese and Spanish, whose expansive voyages overseas left an indelible mark on European culture. Notably, their encounters with and subsequent colonization of the Americas signified a profound shift in global dynamics. This era also witnessed the ascendancy of colonialism as a prevailing governmental doctrine in various European realms, earning it the moniker of the inaugural wave of European colonization.

The dawn of European exploration can be traced back to Portugal's ventures beyond the confines of the Mediterranean, with their pioneering expeditions to the Canary Islands in 1336 marking a significant turning point.

Subsequent milestones include the Portuguese annexation of the Atlantic islands of Madeira and Azores in 1419 and 1427, respectively. This was followed by extensive explorations along the West African coastline, culminating in Vasco da Gama's groundbreaking establishment of a maritime route to India in 1498. Meanwhile, under the sponsorship of the Crown of Castile (Spain), Christopher Columbus embarked on his epochal transatlantic voyages between 1492 and 1504, initiating the European colonization of the Americas. Ferdinand Magellan, with Juan Sebastián Elcano completing his expedition, achieved the first circumnavigation of the globe from 1519 to 1522. These endeavors, spanning across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, alongside terrestrial expeditions across continents, continued well into the late 19th century, succeeded by polar exploration in the 20th century.