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1507
The New World has a Name
Martin Waldseemüller, a German mapmaker, named the "New World" on his map America after Amerigo Vespucci. -
1521
The Aztecs Fall
Hernán Cortés and a small force of men arrive in the Aztec Capital, and in just 2 years due to their overwhelming technological advantage and disease the Spanish forces overthrew the triple alliance. -
1522
Magellan circumnavigates the globe
After setting out to sail the world with 5 ships, Magellan is later left with just the Vitoria, and although he dies before completing the journey his crew proves that it's possible to go around the world by sea, and that the world is much bigger than previously imagined. -
1528
Cabeza de Vaca sets foot in Texas
After his hurricane battered raft failed at Galveston, when their intended destination was set for Florida. -
1533
Death of the Inca Empire
Francisco Pizarro landed in Peru after being inspired by the story of Hernan Cortez, and captures the Inca emperor, who he executes and later takes conquers Peru. -
1534
Henry VIII gets a promotion
Henry VIII becomes supreme head of the Church in England, which separates from the Roman Catholic Church. -
1557
The British Empire reaches India
Robert Clive and the British East India Company defeated the Nawab of Bengal and his French allies, cemented the British Empire's presence in India. -
East India Company
With the hope of exploiting trade in East and Southeast Asia and India, English merchants establish the East India Company. The company becomes an agent of the British Empire for imperialism in India. -
Austrailia is Discovered
Willem Janszoon sails upon Australia, and became the first European to make contact with Australia. His intended destination was New Guinea, but Australia would prove to be useful as well. -
First Anglo-Dutch War
The Anglo dutch wars were a series of conflicts caused by merchants and trade between the Dutch and England, with the conflict lasting from 1652 until 1784. The first war was fought entirely by sea, and would only end after treaty, but more conflict would later arise. -
Franco-dutch War
Charles II joins Louis XIV of France in another war against the Dutch, for France to establish presence in the Spanish Netherlands after forcing Dutch compliance. -
Nine Years' War
France’s Louis XIV’s territorial aggression and involvement with the Jacobites in England, Scotland and Ireland lead to a defensive alliance of England, the Austrian Habsburgs, Sweden, Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. In the end, France surrenders all territories gained and recognize William III as king of England. -
Great Siberian Migration
The Great Siberian Migration begins as the Habsburg army retreats from Serbia during the Austro-Turkish War. The Serbs fled Serbia because of fear of retribution from the Turks. Anrsenije III Carnojevic, the patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church, had his 60,000-member church move north into Hungary to escape the advancing Turkish Army. -
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War of the Spanish Succession
Also known as 'the first world war of modern times', the war involved much of the European continent, including Spain, Italy, and Germany. It was a power struggle for the crown after Charles II died without an heir. -
Slaves in the colonies rise to 75,000
With the advent of the slave trade and Middle Passage, it was only a matter of time before the slave population in the colonies rose higher and higher. -
Seven Years' War
Also know as the French and Indian Wars, in which Britain and Prussia defeat France, Spain, Austria, and Russia. France loses North American colonies, and Spain cedes Florida to Britain in exchange for Cuba. -
Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution began in Great Britain. -
Invention of the Steam Engine
James Watt invents the steam engine, which brought about the industrial revolution to not just Great Britain but to the rest of the world. -
British Stamp Act
The British Parliament imposed a stamp and paper tax on all documents, that only applied to the colonists but not the British Empire. This and several other events would lead to the fight for American Revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
When British tea ships arrived in Boston harbor, many citizens wanted the tea sent back to England without the payment of any taxes. The royal governor insisted on payment of all taxes. On December 16, a group of men disguised as Indians boarded the ships and dumped all the tea in the harbor. -
Tea Act
By reducing the tax on imported British tea, but keeping the tax rate the same for American colonists, this act gave British merchants an unfair advantage in selling their tea in America. American colonists condemned the act, and many planned to boycott tea. -
The First Continental Congress
Twelve of the thirteen colonies sent a total of fifty-six delegates to the First Continental Congress. Only Georgia was not represented. One accomplishment of the Congress was the Association of 1774, which urged all colonists to avoid using British goods, and to form committees to enforce this ban. -
King George declares the colonies are in rebellion
On April 23, 1775 King George III of Great Britain declared, "The colonies are in open and avowed rebellion. The die is now cast. The colonies must either submit or triumph." -
Declaration of Independence
Twelve colonies voted in favor of the Declaration of Independence. New York abstained. This Declaration stated that the colonies were free and independent states, absolved of all allegiance to England. It made official what had already been happening, as the War of Independence was in full swing. -
The U.S. Constitution
The United States Constitution is signed by 39 of the 55 delegates, giving power to the government only as allowed by the people.