Presenting the Spanish and Portuguese conquest of the Americas, focusing on the figures that had a profound influence on the exploration of new worlds. Featuring in-text citations, sidebars, comprehension questions, and complete backmatter, this series will enable students to understand the stages of European oceanic and overland exploration amid international rivalries. This series meets national history curriculum standards.

Biography of Ferdinand Magellan, the first man to lead an expedition around the world.

In 1536, de Soto helped lead the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in South America. He then explored what is today the southern United States, seeking gold and glory.

A Portuguese navigator whose initial voyage to India opened up the sea route from Western Europe to the East by way of the Cape of Good Hope.

In 1271, 17-year-old Marco Polo traveled from Venice to meet the great ruler of the East, Kublai Khan. When he returned 25 years later, he wrote The Book of Marco Polo.

Columbus left Spain thinking he could reach China by sailing west. Instead, he found the New World.

In 1531, Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire that ruled Peru, establishing Spanish rule in South America.

In 1577-1580, Drake led the second expedition to sail around the world. During his voyage he disproved the theory of the Northwest Passage and charted the North American Pacific coastline.

Coronado and his troupe spent three years wandering in the American Southwest in search of the seven cities built of gold--discovering only the beauties of the landscape.