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Sep 7, 1533
Elizabeth is born.
Elizabeth Tudor was born on September 7, 1533 in Greenwich England to parents King Henry VIII and his wife Anne Boleyn. Her father, Henry, had played a crucial part in the English Reformation, and had famously married six times. Her mother, Anne, was a troublemaker who was put to death on charges of adultery, witchcraft, and conspiracy against the king. This event was significant because Elizabeth later brought great stability and prosperity to England in her 44-year reign ("Queen Elizabeth I"). -
Jun 9, 1535
Jacques Cartier claims Canada.
On June 9, 1535, Jacques Cartier took his second expedition to North America discovering the St. Lawrence River, and claiming Canada. After finding an inlet into N. America on his first voyage, Cartier returned to find more. He entered the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and followed to river until he found today's city of Montreal. He later claimed other areas in Canada. This is significant because he discovered lands that had never been found before ("Cartier Discovers St. Lawrence River"). -
1540
Spaniard Francisco Coronado explores North America.
In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Coronado explored N. America. After arriving at Mexico's western coast, Coronado led a major expedition up Mexico's coast into today's southwest U.S. While exploring, Coronado and his men discovered important landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and more, but never found the treasures they had been searching for. This event is significant because it was the first time that this area of the U.S. had been explored in history ("Francisco Vasquez de Coronado"). -
1543
Copernicus publishes the heliocentric theory.
In 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus released his "heliocentric theory" to the public, which is most commonly believed today. Copernicus was a Polish astronomer who had observed and calculated the Earth's position in the universe for many years. His theory stated that the Earth revolves around the Sun, which was contrary to the popular belief that the Earth was the center of the universe. This theory is significant because it is the basis of what we know about our universe today ("Nicolaus Copernicus"). -
Mar 18, 1554
Elizabeth is imprisoned by her sister Mary.
On March 18, 1554 Elizabeth was imprisoned by her sister Mary for supposed conspiracy against her. Elizabeth pleaded not guilty, but Mary didn't listen and had her locked up in the Tower of London to later be executed. In reality, Sir Thomas Wyatt had arranged a plan to overthrow Queen Mary to make Elizabeth queen, not Elizabeth. In fact, she was completely unaware of this plan and was entirely innocent. After 2 months without evidence to prove her guilty, Elizabeth was released (Coffman 83-89). -
1556
The Shaanxi earthquake kills over 830,000 people.
In 1556, the terribly destructive Shaanxi earthquake killed over 830,000 people living in Shaanxi, China. This earthquake was estimated to be the deadliest earthquake in history at a massive magnitude of 8, which is extremely high. This earthquake reduced populations in the area by over 60 percent, and caused major destruction. This earthquake was significant because it caused the loss of many lives, and it created major destruction for Shaanxi, China ("Shaanxi province earthquake of 1556"). -
1559
The Elizabethan Religious Settlement is made.
In 1559, Queen Elizabeth made the Elizabethan Religious Settlement with Parliament. The Elizabethan Religious Settlement was a two-part re-establishment of the Church of England. The first part stated that Queen Elizabeth would become the "Supreme Governor" of the Church of England. The second part stated that everyone in England must be Protestant. This is significant because it was the first major change Elizabeth made to England's government ("The Elizabethan Religious Settlement"). -
Jan 15, 1559
Queen Elizabeth's coronation is held.
On January 15, 1559, 25-year-old Queen Elizabeth's coronation is held in Whitehall Palace due to the death of her brother Edward. At the coronation, a series of steps occur to crown Elizabeth as England's new queen. By tradition, Elizabeth travels from the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey to be crowned, and then to the banquet afterwords. This event is significant because it is the beginning of an incredible 44-year reign to come in which England will be greatly changed (Farmer 69-88). -
1570
Japan permits visits of foreign ships.
In the year of 1570, Japan began permitting the visitation of foreign ships, which had been forbidden for many years. This allowed for many new trading opportunities for both Japan and other countries. Now, other countries were able to gain resources that they had not had access to before, and Japan had access to many nations goods that were willing to trade with them. This event is significant because it other countries now had the opportunity to buy Japanese goods ("1500-1599 World History"). -
Feb 25, 1570
Elizabeth is excommunicated from Catholic Church by the Pope.
On February 25, 1570, Queen Elizabeth was excommunicated from the Catholic Church by Pope Pius V. In other words, she was excluded from all services and practices of the Catholic Church. She was excommunicated because the pope believed her to be a heretic going against God's chosen religion. Despite this excommunication, Elizabeth remained a great ruler, and mostly all her subjects respected her deeply. This is significant because it showed her subjects true loyalty to her ("Queen Elizabeth I"). -
1571
The Ridolfi Plot to asassinate Elizabeth is attempted.
In 1571, a scheme known as the Ridolfi Plot was attempted, trying to assassinate Queen Elizabeth. The plot was organized by Roberto Ridalfi, but was carried out by others such as Mary Queen of Scots and Thomas Howard. His plan was to gain support in the marriage of Mary and Thomas, who would then overthrow the queen. Luckily, she was able to discover and execute the plotters. This is important because Elizabeth could have easily been killed if she hadn't discovered the plot ("The Ridolfi Plot"). -
1582
Pope Gregory XIII makes the Gregorian calendar official.
In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII made the Gregorian calendar official. The Gregorian calendar is the one in which there are 365 days in a year, with an extra day added every 4 years. Previously, the Julian calendar had been in use until Pope Gregory discovered many slight issues that would eventually add up. After making adjustments, he created the Gregorian calendar, which became official. This event is significant because the Gregorian calendar is the one we still use today ("Gregorian Calendar"). -
Elizabeth takes the Netherlands under her protection, starting war with Spain.
In 1585, Queen Elizabeth took the Netherlands under her protection, starting war with Spain. After the ruler of the Netherlands, was murdered, Elizabeth sent aid to the Netherlands by protecting them. This caused war with Spain because they were angered with England that they had joined forces with the Netherlands. They sent their fleet of ships, or Spanish Armada, towards England, starting war. This is significant because it's the first war that Elizabeth had to handle ("Elizabeth I" 263-266). -
Queen Elizabeth defeats the Spanish Armada.
The Spanish Armada is defeated by Queen Elizabeth and her army in 1588. After 3 years of war, Spain's so-called "invincible" armada is at last defeated by England's army lead by Lord Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake. Due to a devastating battle and disastrous weather, the Spanish fleet was forced to retreat and surrender the battle. This event was significant because it made England a world-class power and it introduced new long-range weapons ("Spanish Armada Defeated"). -
Queen Elizabeth I makes her Golden Speech.
On November 30, 1601, Queen Elizabeth I made her Golden Speech to 140 members of the Common in the council chamber in Whitehall Palace. The Golden Speech is significant because it is the last time that Elizabeth is able to speak to her people before she dies. In her speech, Elizabeth expresses her gratitude for her country and gives them her best wishes, knowing that her life was ending. It is known as the "golden" speech because she shows a love for her people that is like no other (Cavendish). -
Queen Elizabeth dies.
On March 24, 1603 Queen Elizabeth died at the age of 69 at Richmond Palace in Surrey, England. There is no known cause for her death, but it is believed that she died of blood poisoning from lead consumption. This is significant because she never married or had any children during her reign, leaving no direct heir to the throne. After her death, a grand and lavish funeral was held in her honor. Soon after, her nephew King James I of Scotland took over the throne (Taylor).
