Early humans arrived in North America around 12,000-14,000 years ago via the Bering Strait. Advanced civilizations like the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans developed in Mexico, Peru, and Central America. European contact began with Vikings led by Leif Erickson reaching Newfoundland around 1000 AD. Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal established the Lisbon observatory and sponsored explorers like Bartholomew Diaz and Vasco da Gama, expanding Portugal's overseas exploration and conquest between 1400-1600. Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain sponsored Christopher Columbus, leading to Spanish conquest of Aztec Mexico and Inca Peru by conquistadores like Cortes, Balboa, and P
18. Spain
Conquistadores
Ponce de Leon – Florida
Balboa – Panama and Pacific Ocean
Cortes – Aztecs of Mexico
Magellan and del Cano – First round the
world voyage
Francisco Franco
27. The Rise of England
Elizabeth I
Captain Francis Drake
– Cloves
1587 Sir Walter Raleigh
– Roanoke Island
– Virginia Dare
1588 Spanish Armada
– Phillip II