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Jan 1, 1440
Johann Gutenberg
In the 1440s, Johann Gutenberg created the printing of movable type, or the "printing press". This invention revolutionized communication, as it could be used in the instance of sea captains recording their findings, and the spread of literature throughout Europe. The press opened the English to many new possibilities, and helped to educate the New World as well as quickly document findings within it. -
Jan 1, 1441
Slave Trade
Slave trade lasted for a rather long period of time: the 15th through the 19th century. Africans lived in stateless societies when explorers first entered the region, and a system of trade was developed amongst the groups. A slave would be traded for a certain amount of gold, and the trade was accepted largely because it was forced upon Africans. However, this trade led to millions of Africans being taken to the New World, where they populated heavily. -
Jan 2, 1492
Reconquista
By the end of the 1500s , Spain was sparked with an energy towards political conquest. Under the union of Ferdinand and Isabella, the armies of Castile and Aragon waged the holy war of the Reconquista against Muslim states in southern Spain. The Islamic kingdom of Granada fell, and the Iberian peninsula became under Christian rule. This event caused many of other religions to flee, and from this violent environment rose many conquistadores that went on to settle land in North America. -
Jun 7, 1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
In order to prevent wars between Spain and Portugal over lands not yet discovered, the Treaty of Tordesillas was created by Pope Alexander VI in 1494 that divided the world along a line 270 leagues west of the Azores. Any new lands discovered west of this new boundary were to be claimed by Spain. However, the treaty failed to stop English, French, and Dutch explorations from beginning, and the land, including North America, continued to be settled by various groups. -
Jan 1, 1497
John and Sebastian Cabot
John Cabot completed the first recorded transatlantic voyage by an English vessel in 1497. His original intention was to find a northwest passage to Asia. In his second attempt, he died attempting to discover a route to Cathay in 1498. His son, Sebastian Cabot, continued John's explorations in the Hudson Bay, but the English lost interest. However, later when interest in the New World revived, the Cabots' voyages helped England to belatedly claim territory. -
Sep 7, 1503
Encomienda System
In order to bring ambitious conquistadores under a single royal authority, the Spanish crown founded the encomienda system. This "solution" consisted of the monarch rewarding successful conquistadores with Indian villages, in which labor tributes were provided in exchange for protection. However, this system was cruel for the exploited laborers. The system did work in favor of the crown, making explorers more dependent on the monarch. Overall, the system did greatly increase Spanish settlement. -
Oct 31, 1517
Protestant Reformation: Henry VII and Elizabeth I
In the Protestant Reformation of England, the English began to view Spain, their former ally, as a threat. Henry VII and Elizabeth I began to develop a strong central administration, while England became a more Protestant society. Protestantism helped England to become a stronger power in European affairs. This reformation helped England to gain a foothold in world power, and eventually pushed for further settlement in North America and other places. -
Jan 1, 1553
Richard Hakluyt
After Roanoke, Richard Hakluyt and other advocates argued in favor of continuation of English settlement in North America. They insisted it would be of great profit, and had raw materials that could be obtained rather than having to recieve them from rivals. These arguments would eventually influence English explorers such as James I to gain these benefits and further settle North America. -
Roanoke
After many unsuccessful attempts at settling the New World, England had positive news of a fertile area in present-day North Carolina. But, upon exploration of the area, it was discovered to have been difficult to reach, and in poor relations with nearby Indians. The colonists were evenually left to fend for themselves. When rescuers reached the island years later, it was found to be deserted. Although the settlement failed, it still ushered in a period of English exploration in North America. -
Quebec
After some exploration of this area, Samuel de Champlain resettled the region of Quebec for France in 1608. The French viewed the Native Americans in the region as valuable trading partners, usually of furs. Frenchmen searched for more sources of furs in the continent, making settlements along the Atlantic coast on the way. They were also able to convert many more Indians to Christianity. Although the area was cold and difficult to settle, it led to further English settlement in North America.
