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Dec 6, 1492
Columbus Sails to the Americas
In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. His landing in the Caribbean was a significant event in relation to imperialism. He sailed for the Spanish throne, in attempt to grow their empire's sphere of influence. -
Dec 6, 1493
The Columbian Exchange
In 1493 Columbus returned from the Americas but he was not alone. With him he brought plants and animals from the Americas. This sparked a crucial exchange of goods known as the Columbian exchange. As a result many foods, animals, and plants were traded between Europe and the Americas. Disease and migration were also major affects of this exchange. -
Dec 6, 1500
The Triangular Trade
An important international trade network arose during the 1500s known as the triangular trade. This is significant to the history of trade and economic systems. There were three legs to the trade. In the first leg, merchant ships brought European goods to Africa where in return they would receive slaves. In the second leg, the slaves were transported to the Americas where they would then be exchanged for other items. In the final leg, American goods were shipped to Europe. -
Dec 6, 1532
Pizarro Takes Peru
In 1532 Pizarro, a Spanish adventurer, arrived in Peru in hopes of finding riches and power. This was a critical moment in relation to imperialism. He overthrew the Incan empire which allowed the Spanish to take over and eventually add much of South America to the growing empire. -
Struggling for Power
During the 1600s, Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands all had colonies in North America. This is important in relation to European conflict and competition. They began to fight in the colonies and around the world to protect their land. Native Americans throughout the colonies would also enter the conflicts to try to make tensions worse between the Europeans. -
Rivalry Turns to War
In 1754 the French and Indian war erupted. This is an important event in correlation to European conflict and competition. During the war tension between Britain and France grew even stronger. In 1759, British troops attacked France's capital.
