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Exploration of the Pacific

Definition

The exploration of the Pacific refers to the period during which European explorers discovered and mapped out the vast Pacific Ocean, its islands, and its surrounding lands.

Analogy

Think of it like a group of friends playing a new video game. They start off knowing nothing about the game world, but as they explore more, they discover new areas, characters, and resources. Similarly, European explorers ventured into unknown territories in the Pacific Ocean and discovered new lands, cultures, and trade routes.

Related terms

Age of Discovery: This was a period from the 15th to 17th century when Europeans explored Africa, Asia and America extensively for trade routes and potential colonies.

Vasco Núñez de Balboa: He was a Spanish explorer who is best known for having crossed the Isthmus of Panama to reach the Pacific Ocean in 1513 - becoming the first European to do so.

Captain James Cook: An English explorer who made detailed maps of Newfoundland before making three voyages to the Pacific Ocean where he achieved first recorded contact with eastern coastline Australia and Hawaiian Islands.