★★★★★
Perry Expedition arrives in Japan
U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry's 'Black Ships' enter Edo Bay, pressing Japan to end its isolation policy.
PoliticsExploration· Japan, United States
- 1853
- 1709★★★★★
Battle of Poltava
Peter the Great's Russian army crushes the Swedish army of Charles XII, ending Sweden's great-power status and raising Russia's standing in Eastern Europe.
War· Ukraine, Russia, Sweden - 1497★★★★★
Vasco da Gama sails from Europe to India
Vasco da Gama's fleet left Lisbon, rounded the Cape of Good Hope, sailed up the East African coast and reached Calicut, opening a direct sea route between Europe and Asia.
ExplorationEconomy· Portugal, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, India