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1440
Printing Press is invented
The invention of the printing press made literature cheaper and more accessible. It changed the printing of books and texts forever, making literature widespread. I chose this event because it was crucial to spreading many religious texts as well as books. -
1488
Bartolomeu Dias rounded the tip of Africa
This event is important because it caused global colonization. I chose it because it was a very important stepping stone to get to the civilizations we have now. -
Oct 12, 1492
Columbus lands in North America
This occured when Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain funded a trip for Columbus to find Asia by going west. It led to the colonization of North America. I chose it because America would be much different if it hadn't been colonized by Columbus. -
Jun 7, 1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
The Treaty of Tordesillas was a treaty that had the Pope decide that the Portuguese get the east and Spain gets the west. It split up these two groups, and caused some to rebel. I chose it because it was important in separating territory. -
May 20, 1498
Vasco da Gama discovers Spice Islands
Vasco da Gama discovered Calicut, or the Spice Islands. He died on his third trip, making it his life's work, and retrieving spices and goods for Europe. I chose this because it made Vasco very important and wealthy, and was crucial in transporting goods to Europe. -
Apr 22, 1500
Pedro Cabral finds Brazil
Pedro Cabral accidentally found Brazil for the Portuguese. This is the reason that Brazil speaks Portuguese. I chose it because it made big changes for the country that have made lasting affects. -
Oct 31, 1517
Luther's 95 Complaints
As a monk, Luther was mad at the Catholic church, so he posted a list of 95 things that called out the church's unholy ways. This is important because it was the event that led to Calvinism. I chose it because it was a very important moment in the evolution of religion. -
Sep 20, 1519
Ferdinand Magellan sets sail
This event was when Ferdinand Magellan navigated the globe in an act of rebellion against the Pope. He wanted Spain to colonize the world. I chose this because he was the first person to sail around the globe. -
Apr 14, 1521
Diet of Worms
This was a debate between Martin Luther and Charles V, where Luther humiliated Charles, when it was supposed to be the other way around. This was important because it was a step in solidifying Luther's place in religion. I chose it because it also spread the idea of Lutheranism as an alternative. -
May 22, 1521
Cortes conquers the Aztecs
Hernand Cortes conquered the Aztecs in an act of ruthlessness but he called it "saving souls". It was important because it was an act of betrayal against Emperor Montezuma, and was an attempt to take land and spread Catholicism. I chose it because of its impacts on the Aztec people and cities. -
Nov 16, 1532
Pizarro conquers the Inca
Francisco Pizarro was a conquistador who conquered the Incas. This was important due to the Inca's important civilization and precious metal. I chose it because it was important to conquering an important nation. -
1534
Henry VIII separates from the Catholic Church
Henry VIII separated from the Catholic church, causes England to do the same. This is important because it led to Anglicanism and it's role in England at the time. This big switch would not be the last time it happened, but these switches led the way for newer religions to emerge. -
1541
Start of Calvinism in Geneva
Geneva was a meeting place for Calvinists at the time. This religion's popularity in Geneva was important because it helped it spread to other places. I chose it becomes the start of Calvinism in Geneva was widely responsible for the growing popularity of the religion -
Period: Dec 13, 1545 to Dec 4, 1563
Council of Trent
The Council of Trent was a council that tried to bring back Catholicism, and make themselves look good. It was important because they took out many areas of corruption from the 95 theses, although keeping many aspects. I it because they were important in the resurgence of Catholicism. -
Period: 1547 to 1553
Reign of Edward VI
Edward VI was the king of England. His reign is important because he created the book of common prayer with Thomas Cranmer. I chose his reign because of his impactful writings in the book of common prayer. -
Jan 16, 1556
Charles V abdicates from the throne
Charles V abdicated the throne to Phillip. This is important because Phillip became hungry for more and decided he wanted Spain to be the greatest pace on earth. I chose this because it led to many other important events, such as the Spanish Armada. -
May 21, 1556
Thomas Cranmer's execution
Thomas Cranmer was executed under the rule of Mary I. This is important because he did not want to back down to Mary, leading to his imprisonment where she forced him to confess his religious sins. He confessed eventually, only for Mary to burn him at the stake. I chose this because Thomas took back his confession on the stake, and burned his hands first, which he used to confess, and this act led to a different, more accepting time in England. -
Period: 1558 to
Elizabeth I reign
Elizabeth I's reign came after a time of great religious issues in England. This is important because she was a ruler that was tolerant of different religions, and one that was strong and smart. She was good at making Spain angry, and, in turn, led them to their downfall. I chose this because her reign was one of prosperity for England, which they needed after Mary's tyrannical rule. -
1559
Elizabethan Compromise
This was a document that legalized Anglicanism as well as Catholicism. This is important because it signified a switch from Catholicism to Anglicanism, but one that was slow and peaceful. I chose this because it is just one example of ideas from Elizabeth I that helped unify England. -
Aug 8, 1570
Peace of St. Germain
This was an attempt at a compromise between the Huguenots and Catholics. It was important because it was the final treaty. I chose it because it signified the end to the third civil war in France. -
1572
Francis Drake starts privateering
This was when Francis Drake, a pirate notorious for stealing Spain's gold, was secretly hired by Elizabeth I to steal from Spain. It was important because she had him stealing and bringing her lots of goods and money, but still remained neutral with Spain. I chose this because I think it was another smart move on Elizabeth's part to better England. -
Aug 23, 1572
Bartholomew's Day Massacre
This was an event where the police were supposed to be killing political powers in Paris, but then outrage broke out between the citizens. Everyone started to think it was okay to kill everyone, so what resulted was a massacre of people killing eachother for no good reason. This was important because this kind of behavior spread as the news of it spread. -
Spanish Armada
This was when King Phillip II sent out an armada to distract England while their people in the Netherlands invaded. It was important because Francis Drake was in successfully able to chase the armada away, and England prevailed. I chose this because it marked the sudden end of Spain's powerful reign over Europe, since after the armada, they had nothing. -
Edict of Nantes
When Henry Navarre became king, he converted to Catholicism. The Edict of Nantes created peace by making Catholicism the official religion of France, but Huguenots were allowed to practice in private. This was important because it created long term peace due to its tolerant ways. I chose it because it was important document that helped unify France religiously. -
Henry Hudson finds New York
This was when Henry Hudson discovered New York for England. This is important because England's influence on New England would be a lasting one, with the name being an example. I chose it because I think it's interesting how whoever discovered a place can leave a lasting impact. -
Petition of Right
The Petition of Right was a document that Charles I signed to end prerogative courts and to get taxes approved by the king. It was important because it inforced a more divine right way of ruling, with the king getting the final say. I chose it because the way a king chooses to rule (with the focus on parliament, or themselves) tells a lot about their style of ruling. -
Period: to
English Civil War
This was a long civil war that was fought between The Cavaliers and the Roundheads, between Charles I and Parliament. This was important because it was the difference between a nationwide religion and a different way of ruling a country. I chose it because its battles led to a greater change coming in England, when it was won by the Calvinists. -
Period: to
Louis XIV reign
Louis XIV is known for his extravagance, vanity and parties. He had an extremely long reign for the majority of his life. He is important because he represents a time where France was very wealthy, but the economy sloped downward after his rule as king. I chose his reign because of its long span, lavish lifestyle, and also because of his detached style of ruling. -
Execution of Charles I
This was when King Charles I was executed due to his frustrations with Parliament. It is important because his reign was one that had many quarrels with parliament over the divine right he thought he was subjected to. I chose it because it signified the death of a very important king, and how parliament can end up having the upper hand in the end. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was an agreement signed by William and Mary. It was important because it separated the people of a country from the monarch, limiting their power. I chose it because this separation was crucial in a time of chaotic ruling and limitless power.