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1492
Columbus's first expedition
Columbus first set out under the direction of the Spanish Monarchy to find India going westward. Of course, he ended up accidentally discovering a new land entirely, the Americas. This would be extremely important because the discovery of the Americas would do a lot to boost the economy in Europe, and the rest of the world. New crops were discovered and allowed for population increases. This new land would also be colonized eventually, once the natives were wiped out from disease. -
Period: 1497 to 1498
Vasco da Gama sails to India
Gama was the first person to successfully get to India around the Cape of Good Hope. This was significant because his success would bring about annual Portuguese voyages to the Indian Ocean. This would allow Western European influence to further expand as they would set up forts in India, and also use violence to intimate and set an example for the Indian merchants. One of the voyages that occurred because fo his success would be blow off course, which would lead to the discovery of Brazil. -
Period: 1519 to 1521
Magellan circumnavigates the globe
Ferdinand Magellan led the first voyage around the globe and died during the voyage. This event was important because it allowed Spain to claim the Philippines, a region they would have control over for over 300 years. This is yet another example of the expansion of European power, as the Spanish claimed not only the Philippines but also Latin America, around this time period. -
1534
First French explorations in Canada
The first crossed over to the New World in 1534 and reached Canada. This was important because they would claim Canada as their territory, something that would affect this territory, even to this day(Quebec). Their explorations there would eventually lead to explorations into the Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes area, and later on, they would claim much of this area as well (Louisiana Territory). -
1571
Ottoman fleet defeated in Battle of Lepanto
The Spanish go up against the Ottoman navy in the Battle of Lepanto and defeat them. This is significant because there would no longer be any chance of having a successful Muslim rivalry over European naval power. After this defeat, the Ottomans remained active in the Mediterranean but avoided the larger international routes as they knew they would not be able to challenge the Europeans. This signifies this continuing growth of Western Europe's power. -
Dutch launch colony in southern Africa
The Cape Colony was established by the Dutch at the Cape fo Good Hope. This colony was initially set up to provide a coastal station for the Dutch ships. However, Dutch farmers began to expand their land and enslaved some of the Africans there, and also came into conflict with the Bantus. This conflict would last up until the 20th century over who would have control over South Africa. This colony was the largest European settlement in Africa as most other nations were fine with small fortresses. -
"Black hole" of Calcutta
The "black hole" of Calcutta was one of the consequences of the conflict between England and France, and the Indian rulers who backed both sides. English prisoners were put into their own jail in Calcutta, and it became so overcrowded and humid that 120 men died. This was significant because despite the Indian's releasing the men after this occurred, this event was used to rally the English forces. Not long after, the English recaptured Calcutta, and France would no longer have power in India. -
Period: to
Seven Years War in Europe, India, and North America
England and France had developed a rivalry for some time, and the Seven Years War was a result of that rivalry. This war is sometimes considered the first world war because it was fought on three separate continents. This was resulted in England gaining the New France territory in North America from France, and the Frech would regain some of their islands in the Caribbean. The Treaty of Paris ended this conflict, however, tensions between the two groups would remain, especially in North America. -
East India Company controls Bengal
The East India Company gains control over Bengal which is significant because it established Britain's power in India. They would govern this region as well as others in India for a fair amount of time, and Britain would play a large role in their government. It is also important to note that while Britain did control the majority of hte Indian subcontinent, the Mughal Empire still existed although it was much weaker. -
Period: to
American Revolution
The America Revolution was very significant because it would bring about the birth of a new nation. the English colonies in the Atlantic constantly dealt with new taxes that the British were putting in place, along with many other things that the colonies there were not happy with. This resulted in the people fighting for independence against Britain, and would eventually win it through the Revolution, establishing a new nation separate from England's influence.
