-
Jan 1, 1492
Columbus sailed the ocean blue
Christopher Columbus was a Spansh explorer whose voyages led to the first European contact with America. He was sent under the rule of Ferdinand and Isabella. He was trying to find a sea route to Asia but found himself in America. -
Jan 1, 1511
First enslaved Africans arrive in the Americas
African slaves were sold by fellow Africans in exchange for goods, transported to the New World and to European slave traders, and forced to work long days without pay. -
Jan 1, 1521
Cortes conquers Aztec Empire
Cortes conquered the Aztec Empire with the help of diseases that the Aztecs had no immunity to, killing their leader Montezuma, and capturing and destroying Tenochititlan. -
Jan 1, 1533
Pizarro conquers Incan Empire
The Incans were expecting a god from the east. When Pizarro came they trusted him thinking he was that god and their leader Atahualpa gave him rooms full of gold and silver. Later, Pizarro killed Atahualpa and the Incan Empire fell. -
English found Jamestown
Jamestown was the first successful English settlement in America. -
English found Plymouth
Plymouth was one of the first English settlements in america. it was mostly populated by people fleeing religious persecution and searching for a place to worship how they wanted. -
French and Indian War Ends
Britain and France went to war for control of North America. also known as the Seven Years' War. they signed the treaty of paris and the war ended.