-
Jan 1, 1492
Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue
Christopher Columbus sailed on behalf Spain, looking for a passage to India. He sailed westwards and, instead of landing in India, landed in the Americas. He never knew that he found America, but his discovery launched exploration into the "New World" from all over Europe. -
Sep 23, 1511
First Enslaved Africans land in the Americas
When Europe colonized the Americas, they needed slaves, to mainly work on plantations for items such as sugar and tobacco. The demand for slaves in the Americas was extremely high, so much that 12 million slaves were sent to the Americas, with 3 million casualties. -
Aug 5, 1521
Cortés conquers Aztec Empires
Cortés was a Spanish conquistador who's main motive was Gold. He wanted riches. When he came to the Aztec Empire, the Aztecs believed he was a god in shining armor. They gave him all the gold he could. However, he eventually did not have a need of the Aztecs. He conquered the Aztec Empire with European disease, metal swords, and a European military knowledge. -
Sep 25, 1533
Pizzarro conquers Incan Empire
The Incans were a great and old civilization. Pizzarro, a Spanish conquistador, conquered them. He did it by basically capturing their leader, Montezuma, holding him for ransom (and receiving it, with 2 rooms filled with silver and 1 room filled with gold), and, after the ransom was paid, still killing him. -
English founded Jamestown
The English wanted to start to colonize the Americas, and Jamestown was the first colony of England's. -
English founded Plymouth
The Pilgrims wanted religious freedom away from the Church of England. They established Plymouth Rock. -
French and Indian War ends
As all of Europe tried to colonize Europe, there were many battles. Britain won this bloody battle, also known as the Seven Years' War. They gained territories east of the Mississippi and all of Canada. Both Britain and France used Native Americans in the battle.