| 1440-60 | The Portuguese explore coast of Africa |
| 1492 | Moors defeated in Spain; Columbus lands in New World |
| 1497 | Vasco da Gama sails to India by way of Africa |
| 1513 | Ponce de León claims Florida for Spain |
| 1519-21 | Magellan’s fleet sails around the world |
| 1521 | Cortés conquers the Aztecs |
| 1528 | Narváez attempts a colony in Florida |
| 1529-36 | The wanderings of Cabeza de Vaca |
| 1532 | Pizarro overthrows the Incas of Peru |
| 1539-43 | De Soto expedition |
| 1540-42 | Coronado expedition |
| 1542-43 | Cabrillo’s voyage |
| 1562 | French Huguenots settle in Florida |
| 1565 | Menendez establishes St. Augustine |
| 1584 | Ralegh plants colony on North Carolina coast |
| 1598 | Oñate expedition into Southwest |
| 1607 | English settle at Jamestown |
| 1620 | Pilgrims settle at Plymouth |