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Period: Jan 1, 1200 to Dec 31, 1300
The invention of the Compass
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Jun 1, 1200
Italian cities were producing coins with fixed values
This encouraged international trade and banking. -
Period: Jan 1, 1400 to
Age of Exploration
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Period: Jan 1, 1400 to Dec 31, 1500
European monarchs supported exploration and colonization
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Period: Dec 1, 1400 to
Commercial Revolution
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Feb 6, 1488
Bartolomeu Dias sailed around Cape of Good Hope
He found the route to the Indian Ocean. -
Aug 1, 1492
Columbus set sail from Spain
His three small ships, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa sailed westward across the Atlantic. -
Oct 12, 1492
Columbus landed on a tiny island
Columbus named the island San Salvador. -
Feb 6, 1493
Alexander VI issued an edict
The Pope's edict drew an imaginary line from north to south through the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Alexander gave Spain the rights to all newly discovered lands west of the line. -
Period: Feb 6, 1493 to Feb 6, 1504
Columbus made three more voyages to the "Indies"
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Period: Jan 1, 1500 to
Food prices increased
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Feb 6, 1516
Charles V took the Spanish throne.
Three years later he was elected Holy Roman Emperor. With Charles's titles and power, he was torn between conflicting demands. Charles had to defend Europe against the Ottoman Turks. -
Feb 6, 1519
Hernan Cortes invaded Mexico
He invaded Mexico with 11 ships and 600 men. He seized the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II. Cortes destroyed the great Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. -
Feb 6, 1530
Francisco Pizarro led an expedition
He took 180 men and 37 horses. They traveled from the Isthmus of Panama to the captial of the Inca Empire. -
Feb 4, 1543
Copernicus's theory was published
It stated that the sun was the center of the universe. The theory is also known as the heliocentric theory. -
Feb 7, 1556
Charles gave up his throne
He divided the vast lands to his family. His son, Philip II received Spain and its possessions. -
Feb 6, 1568
William of Orange led a revolt against Philip II
William sent small bands of soldiers on quick raids to keep the Spanish army confused. -
Feb 6, 1580
Spain annexed Portugal
Portugal's trade was greatly restricted under Spanish control. Its overseas colonies were neglected. Only Brazil and Angola survived as major Portuguese colonies. -
Miguel de Cervantes published Don Quixote de la Mancha
It told the story of an aging man stuck in the myths of the past. The tale reflected a new world that was rejecting the legends of old for a reality based on science. -
Portugal gained its independence
