The Age of Exploration

Spanish Settlers and Missionaries

Jan 1, 1500

Spanish settlers and missionaries followed the conquisdators to Spain's new empire, and wherever they went,they established colonies, claiming the land and its people for their King and Church.

Hernan Cortes Conqueres the Aztecs

Aug 13, 1521

In 1519, Hernan Cortes began an inland trek with 600 men, 16 horses, and a few cannons toward the Aztec capital,Tenochtitlan. In 1521, Cortes and his Indian allies captured and demolished Tenochtitlan.The Spanish empire expanded due to this.

Ferdinand Magellan

Sep 1, 1521

Led the first expedition to sail completely around the world and proved that the world was round and larger than thought. He also discovered new oceans and land along the way and proved that all landmasses were connected.

Commercial Revolution

Jan 1, 1550

Gold and silver was flowing from America to Europe, which open direct links to other countries. This caused the economy of Europe to rapidly increase.

Triangular Trade

Jan 1, 1600

Triangular Trade across the Atlantic was a series of trade routes that linked Europe, Africa, and the Americas. First, Europeans exchanged goods in Africa for slaves, then the slaves were brought to America to be exchanged for goods that was shipped to Europe.

English Colonies and Pilgrims

Dec 11, 1620

In 1620 the Pilgrims, or English Protestants who rejected the Church of England, landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. These people became the first 13 colonies of America.

Treaty of Paris

Feb 10, 1763

It ended the war between France and Britain and ensured British dominance in North America and forced France to cede Canada and its lands east of the Mississippi to Britain and the Louisiana Territory to Spain.