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Jan 1, 1492
Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
Columbus, an Italian man sailing for Spain, left the Spanish port in 1492 in hopes of finding a new route to Asia. Unfortunately, he did not realize that the Americas existed, and when he arrived he thought he had reached the Indies, which is why he called the natives "Indian". -
Jan 1, 1511
First Enslaved Africans Arrived in the Americas
Countries that had just settled the Americas were in need of free labor, and when the natives became too weak and susceptible to disease, they traded with African kings in order to bring in slaves from Africa. African slaves were easier to own because they were already exposed to European illnesses, they were unfamiliar with the land so they couldn't run away, and their skin color made them easier to identify. -
Jan 1, 1521
Cortes Conquers Aztec Empire
When Cortes first tried to take over the Aztec empire, he kidnapped the Aztec's leader, Montezuma, but when he was driven out by the Aztec people he returned again to take siege on the city, and succeeded in taking over. His success was greatly based upon the disease the Spanish brought, which decimated much of the population. -
Jan 1, 1533
Pizarro Conquers Incan Empire
Pizarro, who was the governor of Peru, noted the wealth of the Incans and wanted it for himself. He took their leader, Atahualpa, hostage, and after Atahualpa gave them gold and silver they strangled him and took over Inca. -
English Found Jamestown
Jamestown was the first permanent settlement, established by England, and included the Roanoke colony. -
English Found Plymouth
Plymouth, a largely succesful colony, was established and settled by the church-separitist Pilgrims who were seeking freedom from religious persecution in England. -
French and Indian War Ends
The French and Indian war was fought between England, France, and their Indian allies, and ultimately England ended up winning. Ultimately, it came down to numbers: there were 1,000,000 British soldiers and just 65,000 French.
