Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, led the first European expedition to circumnavigate the globe. This voyage, initiated in 1519, aimed to find a western sea route to the Spice Islands. Though Magellan himself died en route in the Philippines in 1521, one of his ships completed the journey, returning to Spain in 1522. This event is significant in the context of Advanced Placement World History as it represents a pivotal moment in the Age of Exploration.
The expeditions importance lies in its confirmation of the Earth’s circumference and the possibility of reaching the East Indies by sailing west. The voyage also revealed the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and demonstrated the practical difficulties and extended duration of circumnavigation. The expedition spurred further exploration and colonization efforts by European powers, facilitating the expansion of global trade networks and contributing to the increasing interconnectedness of the world. Furthermore, it directly influenced the emerging global power dynamics, particularly between Spain and Portugal, as they competed for control over newly discovered territories and trade routes.
