b1015thand16th


 * MAGELLAN**

Ferdinand Magellan had to become of Spanish nationality in order to find a route to Indonesia, a place wanted for its spices. On this journey to find a western trade route, Magellan became the first person ever to lead a crew across the Pacific Ocean. Magellan also became the first person to circumnavigate the earth, although his journey was cut short due to his death in the Philippines. Magellan also discovered the Strait of Magellan, which he and his crew became the first Europeans to cross. Although he met his downfall at the Philippines, Magellan became the first to discover the Philippines.

McKay, John P. __History of Western society__. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2003.