... over land with Asia, Portugal led the way for the search for a sea passage to the East in the late 1400's. In 1488, Bartholomeu Diaz attempted to reach Asia by sailing around Africa. Although he ultimately failed, his voyage provided the foundation for his fellow countryman, Vasco de Gama, ... land claim in the New World, Brazil, came about only through accident, when Pedro Cabral was blown off the African course and landed in South America. Spain became the first country to commission an expedition to search for a westward sea passage to Asia. In 1492, Ferdinand and Isabella ... globe...

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• Grade Level: Undergraduate