Jacques Cartier

Was born in France in 1491. He wanted to reach Asia through or around North America. He traveled across the Atlantic in only 20days on his first voyage, landing in Newfoundland. 

He later sailed up the St. Lawrence River, but he never found a passage to Asia.

Vasco da Gama

Was born in Portugal in 1469. He was the first person to discover the sea route from Europe to India. He returned to Portugal with riches valued at 60 times the cost of the trip.

Ferdinand Magellan

Was born in Portugal in 1480. He found the westward sea route to Asia by sailing around the tip of South America. He also named the Pacific Ocean, in honor of its peaceful waters. 

His travels proved that the world was round.

Cristopher Columbus

He sailed westward to find a sea route to Asia.Spreading Christianity, finding gold, and claiming lands for Spain were the major aims of his travels. He never landed in Asia, but he believed he had.

Amerigo Vespucci

Was a noblemen born in Florence, Italy, in 1454. He wanted to find an all-water route to Asia by going either through or around North America. However, none of these trips were made for his own country. Two were made for Spain, and two for Portugal. North America and South America are named for him.

Louis XIV

Louis XIV was the absolute ruler of France for 72 years. He could demand taxes at any time and imprison people without a trial. He believed in the divine right of kings. His magnificent court earned him the title of " Sun King"    

Cardinal Richelieu

He was born Armand Jean du Plessis in 1585. He was made Prime Minister of France under Louis XIII. He helped  strengthem the monarchy. Even though he was not the king. Richelieu was the most powerful man in France.