-
Jun 7, 1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
The Treaty of Tordesillas is signed, dividing newly discovered overseas lands between Portugal and Spain. -
1501
Spanish Empire
Spanish Empire at its height, with Spain the predominant European power. The rise of Protestant states in northern Europe and the Ottoman Empire in the Mediterranean begin the country's gradual decline. -
1513
Balboa Reaches Pacific
Vasco Nuñez de Balboa becomes the first European to gaze upon the Pacific Ocean after cutting his way across the Isthmus of Panama. -
1520
Night of Tears
La Noche Triste: The "Night of Tears" in which almost two thirds of Cortés' men—nearly 800 in total—are killed as they try to escape Tenochtitlan after the death of Moctezuma. -
1521
Start New Spain
Is the begining of New Spain. -
1531
Virgin of Guadalupe
Juan Diego, a Mexican peasant, has an apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Before long, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe becomes the patron saint of the New World. -
1532
Pizarro Invades Peru
Francisco Pizarro invades the Incan Empire and begins the conquest of Peru. -
1540
Ignatius Loyola Founds Jesuits
A Basque army veteran named Ignatius Loyola founds the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits. Their mission is to become an "Army of God" under papal authority to root out heresy and Protestantism. They set up missions throughout the New World in an effort to win souls for Catholicism by converting Native Americans. -
1545
Silver Discovered
Silver is discovered at Potosí in Bolivia. Spain begins to reap huge financial rewards from its New World colonies. -
Santa Fe Founded
Santa Fe, the capital of present-day New Mexico, is founded. -
Popé Rebellion
The Popé rebellion begins as Pueblo Indians under Native American Chief Popé attack Santa Fe, driving the Spanish from the area. Spanish colonists react by ending the encomienda system in 1717, allowing Pueblos to own land, and baptizing babies at birth. -
Pueblo Indians Revolt
It takes 12 years of fighting for the Spanish to subdue the Pueblo Indians in New Mexico.
