On September 25, 1513, Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean. He and his men were on an expedition to find a new route to the East Indies when they crossed the Isthmus of Panama and came upon the vast expanse of water. Balboa claimed the ocean for Spain and named it the South Sea.
The discovery of the Pacific Ocean had a profound impact on the world. It opened up a new trade route between Europe and Asia, and it led to the exploration of the Americas. The Pacific Ocean also became a source of wealth for Spain, as it was home to valuable resources such as gold and silver.
Here are some of the specific impacts of Balboa's discovery:
* It led to the establishment of Spanish colonies in the Americas. The discovery of the Pacific Ocean made it possible for Spain to establish a permanent presence in the Americas. In 1519, Hernán Cortés landed in Mexico and began the conquest of the Aztec Empire. In 1532, Francisco Pizarro landed in Peru and began the conquest of the Inca Empire.
* It opened up a new trade route between Europe and Asia. The discovery of the Pacific Ocean allowed Spain to establish a trade route between Europe and Asia. This route was much shorter than the traditional route around Africa, and it allowed Spain to import valuable goods from Asia such as silk, spices, and porcelain.
* It led to the exploration of the Americas. The discovery of the Pacific Ocean inspired other explorers to explore the Americas. In 1520, Ferdinand Magellan became the first person to circumnavigate the world. In 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo explored the coast of California. In 1577, Sir Francis Drake became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the world.
* It led to the development of the Manila galleon trade. The Manila galleon trade was a trade route between Manila in the Philippines and Acapulco in Mexico. This route was used to transport valuable goods from Asia to Europe. The Manila galleon trade was a major source of wealth for Spain, and it lasted for over 250 years.