Spotlight on explorers and colonization

Looks at the life of Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias who was the first European to reach the Indian Ocean from the Atlantic.

A brief biography of Italian explorer John Cabot, who in hopes of finding a shorter route to Asia landed in Newfoundland, Canada.

A brief biography of Amerigo Vespucci who is best known for exploring South America and the West Indies.

"In the summer of 1535, France's king Francis I sent explorer Jacques Cartier to the New World to search for the Northwest Passage that would lead from China and the East. It was hoped he would also return with ships brimming with riches and gold for the country ... Cartier found neither the elusive passage nor a bounty of riches, but he did find the St. Lawrence River. Readers will learn about the details of Cartier's extensive travels, his encounters with Native Americans, and the many features for which he is named"--Provided by publisher.

Biography of Henry Hudson, English mariner who explored the Hudson River and Bay, discussing his early life before the voyages, his time in the Arctic, his voyage down the East Coast of North America into present-day New York, and his exploration of Canada's Hudson Bay.

"[Presents the biography of Hernando de Soto.] In the 1500s, Hernando de Soto traveled throughout Central America and Peru, as well as the southeastern areas of the United States, in search of treasures and land for Spain. Although he may have had Spain's best interests at heart, de Soto and his expedition left a deadly trail of disease in their wake. De Soto would never find the rumored riches he sought. But he did discover the Mississippi River"--Provided by publisher.

A brief biography of Giovanni da Verrazzano, an explorer who navigated the Atlantic Coast of North America.

Looks at the life and achievements of Juan Ponce de Leon, the leader of the first European expedition to Florida, who eventually became the first governor of Puerto Rico.

Explores the eventful life and controversial legacy of explorer Hernan Cortes, who famously conquered the formidable Aztec Empire.

Provides an examination of the life and accomplishments of the ruthless conquistador Francisco Pizzaro, including his strategically brilliant, but ethically problematic, conquest of the Inca people of South America.