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Jan 1, 1492
Columbus sailed the ocean blue
The competition for goods and trade in Asia was extremely intense in the 1400s. Spain was lagging behind, and so they decided to have Christopher Columbus, an Italian, sail for Spain in order to find a sea route west to Asia. He was not aware of the New World, and thought he had landed in Asia when he had truly landed in the Caribbean. Columbus did not return with any riches, but although he did not know, his discovery would provide lots of wealth in the future for Spain. -
Jan 1, 1511
First enslaved Africans arrive in the Americas
In the New World, the natives were dying at a very fast pace from disease. The Africans were immune to these diseases, and therefore would not die at such a fast rate. Africans were also fairly skilled farmers and did not need that much work to become useful. The Europeans also thought that the Africans would be easier to find if they escaped because of their skin tone if they escaped. All of these reasons contributed to the slave trade soon later. -
Jan 1, 1521
Cortez conquers Aztec Empire
After landing in Mexico, Cortes, a conquistador, heard of an extremely wealthy empire, known as the Aztecs. He was a ruthless man, and was desperate for gold. When he began to speak to the Aztec ruler, Montezuma, he became hailed as a god. They were welcoming towards him, and gave him gold. However, Cortes wanted more. He ended up conquering the Aztecs and killing thousands of the native peoples. -
Jan 1, 1533
Pizarro conquers Incan Empire
Pizarro, after discovering the Incas, was not willing to talk. He ambushed them, and took the king Atahualpa. Pizarro said that he wanted gold, and Atahualpa gave him what he wished. However, he was returned with murder. Pizarro with the Incan gold took over the city of Cuzco. -
English found Jamestown
King James sent a letter to the Company of London, stating that he wanted to set up a colony in North America. The settlers that arrived soon later in Jamestown included priests trying to convert the natives. The colony struggled at first, as they cared more about the gold than settling. However, they eventually gained control and were able to settle in America. -
English found Plymouth
The Pilgrims were persecuted for their religious beliefs in England, and wanted religious freedom. They therefore set up a colony at Plymouth. The Puritans would follow ten years later for the same reason. -
French and Indian War ends
The French were in control of the far north, and were beginning to move south. However, Britain wanted more land, requiring them to move west as well. They would argue over the land of the Ohio Valley, creating the French and Indian War, even though the war was mainly between Great Britain and France. The war lasted 7 years, when the British gained control.
