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Europeans Explore the World - Coggle Diagram

- - - - Aztecs
        
        When Hernando Cortés took over Mexico, he defeated the powerful Aztec Empire. This led to the collapse of indigenous rule and the beginning of Spanish colonization in the region. The native population was greatly reduced by war, disease, and forced labor. Spain gained vast wealth from gold and silver taken from Mexico. Cortés’s conquest marked the start of over 300 years of Spanish rule in Mexico.
  - - - Incas
        
        Francisco Pizarro’s exploration of South and Central America led to the conquest of the Inca Empire in present-day Peru. The Incas were defeated through warfare, disease, and betrayal. Spain gained enormous wealth from the gold and silver found in the region. Indigenous populations suffered from forced labor and the destruction of their culture. Pizarro’s actions helped expand Spanish power throughout South America.
  - - - Caribbean natives
        
        Christopher Columbus’s takeover of the Bahamas, parts of America, and the West Indies led to European colonization of the New World. Indigenous peoples suffered greatly through violence, disease, and loss of their land and cultures. Spain and other European powers gained wealth and expanded their empires. His voyages helped start the transatlantic slave trade and centuries of exploitation. The Columbian Exchange introduced new foods, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds, forever changing global history.
- - - - South Africans
        
        Bartolomeu Dias’s exploration of South Africa led to the discovery of a sea route around the southern tip of Africa, later named the Cape of Good Hope. This proved it was possible to sail from Europe to Asia by sea. His journey opened the way for future trade with India and the East. It helped Portugal become a major power in global exploration and trade. Dias’s voyage marked a turning point in connecting Europe with Asia by sea.
  - - - Indian
        
        Vasco da Gama’s exploration of India established the first direct sea route from Europe to Asia. This allowed Portugal to trade directly for spices and other goods, bypassing overland routes controlled by other powers. His journey made Portugal a major trading and naval power. It also led to the colonization and control of parts of India by the Portuguese. Da Gama’s voyage marked the start of European influence in Asia.
  - - - West Africans
        
        Prince Henry of Portugal’s exploration of West Africa helped start the Age of Exploration. His support for navigation led to improved maps and ship designs. Portuguese explorers began trading gold, ivory, and later enslaved Africans. This marked the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade. His efforts expanded European knowledge of Africa and opened new sea routes for trade.
- - - - The English East India Company’s exploration of India, the west coast of Africa, and North America led to major trade and colonization efforts. In India, it established trading posts that later became the foundation for British rule. On the west coast of Africa, it took part in trade, including the transatlantic slave trade. In North America, it supported early English colonies and expanded British influence. Overall, the Company helped England grow into a global empire through trade, colonization, and military power.
- - - - The Dutch East India Company’s exploration of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Taiwan led to the establishment of Dutch colonies and trade dominance in those regions. In Indonesia and Sri Lanka, they took control of the spice trade and built powerful trading posts. In South Africa, they set up a supply station at Cape Town, which became a Dutch colony. In Taiwan, they briefly established a base to trade with China and Japan. Their actions expanded Dutch influence and wealth, making the Netherlands a major global trading power.