The Beginnings of Our Global Age

Columbus sailed to the Americas

Aug 3, 1492

In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed through the Atlantic ocean in search of Asia. instead he found the West Indies;present day Bahamas.This relates to imperialism because the Spanish queen funded his expedition in an attempt to spread the Spanish empire.

Columbian Exchange

Dec 6, 1493

In 1493, after Columbus returned to Spain from his first expedition to the Americas with some plants and animals that he found there.This relates to trade because Columbus started a global exchange, what we now call the Columbian Exchange.

Cortes sailed to Mexico

Dec 2, 1519

In 1519, Hernan Cortes sailed to the coast of Mexico with 600 men, in search of riches and to spread Christianity.This relates to empire because in 1521 the Spanish conquered Tenochtitlan and built Mexico City; which expanded the Spanish territory.

Silver

Dec 6, 1540

The Spanish used the encomienda system to force Native Americans to extract the rich ore from Andes Mountains. This relates to economic system because later the Spanish used the silver in the ore to create the first economic system by making silver coins.

Power Struggle

Dec 6, 1600

In the late 1600's Spain,France,England, and the Netherlands fought in the colonies and around world to expand their empire. This relates to European conflict & competition because they competed to gain profitable colonies, for example the sugar producing colonies.

The French and Indian War

Dec 5, 1754

In 1754, the French and Indian war started, and lasted 7 years, ending in 1763. Which during the 7 years spread throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. This relates to European conflict & competition because this was a large war between Great Britain and France, and it ended the Treaty of Paris.