Historical Events tagged with "atlantic"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Expedition to the Azores By Essex and Raleigh

August 17th, 1597 427 years ago

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, and Sir Walter Raleigh embarked on a significant expedition aimed at the Azores. This venture aimed to disrupt Spanish shipping routes and explore potential strategic advantages in the region. The mission departed from England with the hope of capturing valuable prizes and asserting English presence in the Atlantic, a crucial area during the conflicts between England and Spain. The expedition brought together two prominent figures of the time, whose ambitions would later lead to notable rivalries and political tensions.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Foundation of Luanda by Paulo Dias de Novais

January 25th, 1575 450 years ago

Luanda was founded by the Portuguese navigator Paulo Dias de Novais as a fortified settlement. This strategic move aimed to solidify Portuguese presence in Angola. The settlement was established on the Atlantic coast, making it a critical site for trade and military defense. Today, Luanda stands as Angola's capital and a major African city.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Giovanni da Verrazzano Explores New York Harbor

April 17th, 1524 500 years ago

In April 1524, Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano became the first European to explore and document New York Harbor. Sailing for France, he navigated the Atlantic Ocean and entered the harbor, which he named 'Angoulême Bay' after the French king’s title. This discovery expanded European knowledge of the North American coastline and paved the way for further exploration. Verrazzano's journey highlighted the potential for trade and future settlement in the region, despite the absence of immediate European settlement.

Continue Reading