Atlantic World and Discovery Timeline

By ehartmeier1
  • Oct 6, 1492

    Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue

    Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
    Christopher Columbus, a sea captain for Spain, had the idea to sail west across the Atlantic in search of a trade route to Asia. Instead of reaching Asia, Columbus reached what he believed were the East Indies but actiually an island in the Caribbean.
  • Oct 6, 1511

    First Enslaved Africans Arrive in the Americas

    First Enslaved Africans Arrive in the Americas
    Many Native Americans were killed by disease brought over by the Europeans so colonists turned to the Africans for labor. Many colonists who needed cheap labor used Africans which increased the number of slaves brought over.
  • Oct 7, 1521

    Cortes Conquers Aztec Empire

    Cortes Conquers Aztec Empire
    When Cortes first met the Aztecs they were convinced he was a god wearing armor and welcomened him. Cortes hoped to take the Aztecs gold. Although he and his men were outnumbered, Cortes defeated the aztecs with better weapons, the help of various native groups, and disease.
  • Oct 7, 1533

    Pizarro Conquers Incan Empire

    Pizarro Conquers Incan Empire
    Pizarro and his army of about 200 met the Incan ruler, Atahualpa, and his army of about 30,000. The army was far from the king however, and the Spainards kidnapped Atahualpa and crushed the Incan force with weapons and horses. Afahualpa offered to fill a room with gold and twice with silver for his release, but he was still killed.

  • English Found Jamestown

    English Found Jamestown
    More than 100 settlers arrived on the coast of Virginia and named their settlement Jamestown, in honor of their king. The settlers were more interested in finding gold than planting crops, and during the first few years many died of hunger, disease, or battles with the Native Americas. Things started to get better once the settlers planted crops and farmers discovered tobacco which became very profitable.

  • English Found Plymouth

    English Found Plymouth
    A group known as the Pilgrims left England because they were persecuted for their religious beliefs. They founded England's second colony Plymouth.

  • French and Indian War Ends

    French and Indian War Ends
    The French and Indian War was caused by a dispute between the English and the French. The dispute was caused by the two countries interfering with each other's land. This war is called the French and Indian War because the Native Americans helped both sides.