Exploration & European Expansion

Christopher Columbus

explorer. 2nd half of 15th century. contributed to european expansion and helped Europeans colonize and gain more territory

Treaty of Tordesillas

agreement between Spain and Portugal to divide new territories overseas. 2nd half of 15th century. contributed to european expansion and showed the competition for land and power

Ferdinand Megellan

1st explorer who circumnavigated the globe. 1st half of 16th century. contributed to european expansion and improved european geographic knowledge

British East India Company

english trading company that conducted trade in asia. 1st half of 17th century. contributed to european expansion and imperialism through commercialism

Conquistadors

spanish conquerors. 1st half of 16th century. contributed to european expansion in spain and colonization of indigenous civilizationsE

Encomienda System

spanish colonial labor system. 1st half of 16th century. contributed to european expansion and exploitation/colonization of indigenous people