Question: What explorers are important to know about? (scroll down for answer)       Answer: Christopher Columbus - Italian, but exploring for Spain. He was sent out by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to find a quicker route to India. Instead, he found Native America. Vasco da Gama – Portugal. He found a direct sea route to India for spices and other trade. British and Dutch East India Companies - England and the Netherlands set up powerful companies in India for trade. Ferdinand Magellan - Portugal - The first to circumnavigate (completely sail around) Earth. Click here for next flash card.      Back to eFlashcard headquarters