John Cabot, an Italian navigator sailing under the English flag, is credited with the discovery of parts of North America in 1497. On his voyage from Bristol, he reached what is believed to be Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island on the North American coast. This discovery was significant as it laid the groundwork for Britain's later claim to Canada
. Cabot's ship, the Matthew , sailed west hoping to find a shorter route to Asia, but instead he landed on the coast of what is now Canada. He took possession of the land in the name of King Henry VII of England. Although he mistakenly thought he had reached Asia, his voyage demonstrated the viability of a transatlantic route and initiated English claims and exploration in the New World
. His 1497 voyage is considered the first early modern European exploration of mainland North America, preceding later colonization efforts. Cabot did not encounter native peoples on this journey, but his discovery influenced subsequent expeditions and the expansion of European presence in the Americas
. In summary, John Cabot discovered parts of the North American coast, notably Newfoundland, in 1497, claiming it for England and opening the way for future British exploration and colonization
