-
1493
Columbus's second expedition; beginnings of settlement in the Indies
This event was significant because it established the first Spanish settlement in the Caribbean. This colony was founded on the island of Santo Domingo, also known as Hispaniola. Once this colony was founded they would go on to other islands and colonize there, wiping out the native populations with disease, slaving, and a thirst for gold. -
1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
The Treaty of Tordesillas was important because it clarified spheres of influence and possession in the New World by creating an imaginary north-south line for Portugal and Spain. Spain clearly got a lot more out of this treaty because the New World was significantly largest than they had thought, so Spain had a claim to everything west of the line, while Portugal has what was east of the line. This left Portugal with mainly Brazil, while Spain had Mexico, most of the West Indies, and Florida. -
1500
Cabral lands in Brazil
Cabral led an expedition to India in 1500 and accidentally made landfall in Brazil. This is significant because it would eventually lead to the establishment of the Brazilian colonies which gave Portugal access to sugar and gold among other things. His discovery took over 30 years for Portugal to fully recognize, but all it took was competition from France to get settlements established. -
Period: 1519 to 1524
Cortes leads conquest of Mexico
This event was significant because Cortes led the Spanish to a complete victory over the Aztec empire. Without the Aztecs in power, the Spanish were free to take control which is exactly what they did. They took over Tenochtitlan and renamed it Mexico City, a city that still stands today as the capital of Mexico. This demonstrated the power of the Spanish and the size of their empire was quite large because of this conquest. Along with this, Mexico provided a fair amount of silver to Spain. -
1549
Royal Government established in Brazil
The establishment of a royal government in Brazil was important because it would allow the colonies to grow, and it established law and a sense of life there. A royal capital was established and run by a royal governor in Salvador. Missionaries also came around this time and were important as well. A bureaucratic system was created so the colonies could fit under imperial rule, and two distinct colonies developed. The state of Maranao and the state of Brazil. -
Period: to
Dutch capture northeastern Brazil
Holland's capture of part of Brazil was important because it was a nod to the global struggle against Spain. Along with this, the Dutch controlled the production of sugar during their time there. Even though the Dutch were eventually driven out from Brazil, they, along with other European countries, began to establish their own sugar plantations in the Caribbean islands. Portugal and Spain were now facing more competition from Europe. -
Gold discovered in Brazil
The discovery of gold in Brazil resulted in both good and bad things for Portugal. Because gold was discovered in the interior of Brazil, the coastal cities were abandoned, and thousands of immigrants came to Brazil in the following years. Gold Portugal received was often given to England in exchange for manufactured goods, and this would lead to Portugal depending on England when the gold runs out. Along with this, slavery expanded in Brazil, and the natives faced disastrous effects. -
Period: to
War of the Spanish succession; Bourbon dynasty rules Spain
The War of the Spanish succession began with the death of Charles II who had no heir and ended with the Treaty of Utrecht. This was significant because the treaty recognized the Bourbon family as the rulers of Spain. The Bourbon's put a lot of reforms in place while they had the Spanish throne. The Jesuits were expelled, and the Navy was reformed but the convoy was abandoned. Overall, the reforms revived Spain for a while, but then created a sense of dissatisfaction among the people. -
Period: to
Marquis of Pombal, prime minister of Portugal
Pombal was important because he put many reforms in place in Brazil. He created monopoly companies to stimulate agriculture and abolished slavery in Portugal to ensure a steady supply of slaves to Brazil. He also encouraged whites to marry Indians. His goal was to revitalize the colonies to strengthen Portugal, but ultimately his reforms weren't very effective. What they did do was reduce the trade imbalance with England and set the stage for Brazil's independence. -
Comunero revolt in New Granada; Tupac Amaru rebellion in Peru
These rebellions were significant because they were caused by outrage from some at the reformist policies, tight tax collections, and active government. These rebellions both ended at some point, usually due to tension or second thoughts from parties within the rebellion, but they did affect the government when they were active. The rebellion in Peru left the entire viceroyalty in turmoil for 3 years and caused lots of trouble for the government.
