APUSH Key Dates Period 1

1492

Christopher Columbus (Italian, in the service of the Spanish monarchy) sails to the New World, beginning an era of European colonization of the Americas.

1498

Vasco de Gama (Portugal) sails to India

1517

Martin Luther challenges Roman Catholic beliefs and practices (believed in authority of the bible over the pope / no indulgences); initiates Protestant Reformation

1521

Spanish forces, led by Hernán Cortés, defeat the Mexica people, led by Montezuma

1530

John Calvin breaks from the Catholic Church

1532

Spanish forces, led by Francisco Pizarro, defeat the Inca people

1542

Bartolomé de Las Casas writes A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies

1549

The repartimiento reforms begin to replace the encomienda system

1587

Founding of the “lost” English colony of Roanoke

1588

English defeat of the Spanish Armada

1597

Juanillo’s Revolt in Florida (Natives against Spanish colonialism)

1598

Acoma Pueblo Massacre in New Mexico