European Exploration and Colonization

Front

Christopher Columbus

Back

Discovered the Americas in 1492

Front

Ferdinand Magellan

Back

First circumnavigation of the Earth

Front

Vasco da Gama

Back

First to reach India by sea

Front

Hernán Cortés

Back

Conquered the Aztec Empire

Front

Francisco Pizarro

Back

Conquered the Inca Empire

Front

Columbian Exchange

Back

Transfer of plants, animals, and diseases

Front

Smallpox

Back

Devastated indigenous populations

Front

Encomienda System

Back

Forced labor of indigenous peoples

Front

Triangular Trade

Back

Europe, Africa, Americas trade network

Front

Spice Trade

Back

Motivated exploration to Asia