Italian that explored the Caribbean four times for Spain. His voyages inspired Europe to explore the New World.

Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.

German that challenged Catholic Church corruptions and beliefs, thus beginning a split within the religion.

Spanish explorer whose expedition was the first to sail around the world. He was killed during the journey, however.

Supposedly invincible navy with thousands of soldiers that was destroyed in a battle by flaming English ships and poor weather.

Italian that explored northeast North America for England. Due to his voyage, England based its claims to territory in North America.

Italian artist and scientist among many other things. Perhaps the most diversely talented person ever to have lived.

Religious radical that believed all men were predestined to eternal salvation or damnation.

Italian explorer for whom America was named because he realized the recently explored lands were a new continent.

The horrifying journey of captured blacks from Africa to North America.

Portuguese explorer and the first to sail directly from Europe to India.

Italian artist who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art.

The breakaway of many groups from Catholicism and their formation of a variety of denominations.

Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire in Mexico.

The transfer of food crops from the Americas to Europe (and vice-versa) as well as animals, ideas, and diseases, among other things.

He sailed around the southernmost tip of Africa in 1488, possibly the first European known to have done so.

Diplomat and historian from Florence that ranks as the most illustrious of the many Renaissance writers.

Major reform effort in the Catholic Church. It created more spiritualism and clearer doctrines.

Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Inca Empire and brought Peru under the rule of Spain.

Economic activities based on trade and commerce featuring private ownership, free enterprise, free competition, and profit motive.

The pope drew a line on a map in which he declared Portugal would receive all land east of it, Spain all land west of it.

He wrote a book about an imaginary ideal society. & He wrote guidebooks about humanity.

England’s Parliament declared the king to be the supreme head of the Church of England and possessor of Catholic property.

Frenchman that explored northeast North America and named Canada.

A decree in France in 1598 that gave French Huguenots religious toleration and other freedoms in the Catholic nation.