Introduction to
The Age of Exploration

In 1491, most Europeans did not know that North and South America existed. The people of the Americas did not know that Europe existed. Although other explorers had visited the Americas before, Europeans did not know that.

In 1492, that changed. In that year, Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and accidentally landed on islands off the coast of the Americas. His explorations marked the start of the Age of Exploration.

An artist’s illustration of Columbus landing in the New World

As news spread about what Columbus had found, men from all over Spain raced to find treasure. Spanish conquistadors, such as Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, set out in search of silver and gold. They slashed their way through swamps. They marched across deserts. They explored and conquered many lands.

A few years later, other European countries got involved. John Cabot went exploring for England. Henry Hudson explored for England and for the Netherlands. Samuel de Champlain explored for France.

These explorers changed the world. They connected Europe with the Americas. You will read about some of their journeys here.

Some European Explorers