MKD Era 2

1453

1453

Ottomans capture Constantinople - Marks the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire as a major power. Also signals the end of the Middle Ages for many historians.

1450s

Printing Press in Europe (Gutenberg)

Revolutionizes communication and the spread of knowledge, facilitating the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution.

c. 1480s

Height of Aztec Empire

Demonstrates the peak of Mesoamerican civilization before European contact, with a rich culture and expansive empire centered in Tenochtitlán.

1488

Dias rounds Cape of Good Hope

Opens a sea route to Asia, paving the way for Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean trade.

1492

Columbus/Reconquista of Spain

Columbus’s voyage initiates European colonization of the Americas; the Reconquista marks the consolidation of Christian rule in Spain and the expulsion of Muslims and Jews.

1502

1st African Slaves to Americas

Begins the transatlantic slave trade, profoundly shaping the demographics, economy, and history of the Americas.

1517

Martin Luther/Protestant Reformation

Challenges the Catholic Church, leading to the fragmentation of Christianity and significant religious, political, and cultural upheavals in Europe.

1519-1521

Cortez conquered the Aztecs

Marks the fall of the Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish colonization in the Americas.

1521-1523

Magellan circumnavigates the Earth

Confirms the Earth’s roundness and provides the first empirical evidence of global geography, revolutionizing navigation and trade.

1529

1st unsuccessful Ottoman siege of Vienna (Suleiman the Magnificent)

Highlights the height of Ottoman power and their territorial ambitions in Europe.

1533

Pizarro topples the Inca

Marks the end of the Inca Empire and Spanish dominance in South America.

1545

Discovery of silver at Potosí

Sparks massive silver production in the Americas, fueling global trade and Spain’s economic power.

1571

Battle of Lepanto (Ottoman naval defeat)

Prevents Ottoman expansion in the Mediterranean, securing European dominance in naval warfare.

1571

1st Manila Galleon (global trade of silver)

Establishes the first trans-Pacific trade route, connecting Asia, the Americas, and Europe in a global trade network.

1588

Spanish Armada

The failed invasion of England weakens Spain’s maritime dominance and paves the way for England’s rise as a global power.

1600

Battle of Sekigahara (beginning of Tokugawa Shogunate)

Unifies Japan under Tokugawa Ieyasu, beginning over two centuries of stability and isolation.

1607

Foundation of Jamestown

Establishes the first permanent English settlement in North America, marking the beginning of English colonization in the Americas.

1618-1648

Thirty Years' War

A devastating conflict in Europe that reshapes political and religious boundaries, ending with the Peace of Westphalia and the concept of state sovereignty.

1644-1911

Qing Dynasty

Marks the last imperial dynasty of China, noted for its cultural and territorial expansion as well as significant internal and external challenges.

1653

Cape Town colony founded (Dutch)

Establishes a European presence in southern Africa, a key stopover for trade routes to Asia.

1683

2nd unsuccessful Ottoman siege of Vienna (Mehmet IV)

Marks the decline of Ottoman territorial expansion in Europe and shifts the balance of power towards European states.

1689

Glorious Revolution/English Bill of Rights

Establishes constitutional monarchy in England, limiting royal power and laying the groundwork for modern democracy.