may 1, 1498 - Vasco da Gama reached India

Description:

In May 1498, Vasco da Gama reached India after years of finding a trade route. His success put Portugal a step ahead of all other European nations in the race to explore and colonize. It also gave other nations reason to try to catch up with Portugal. This led up to these European nations to spread religion, mix cultures, and trade with these people for the valuable spices they had.