1491-1607

Treaty of Tordesillas

• Agreement between Spain and Portugal, signed in 1494.

• Divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two countries.

Da Gama Reaches India

• Voyage completed in 1498.

• Opened up sea routes for trade between Europe and India.

Balboa Claims Land for Spain

• Political event in 1513.

• Claimed all land touched by the Pacific Ocean for Spain.

Ponce De Leon Explores Florida

• Exploration events in 1513 and 1521.

• Claimed Florida for Spain.

Cortes Conquers Mexico for Spain

• Began in 1519; by 1521, Spanish rule established in Mexico.

• Led an expedition that resulted in the overthrow of the Aztec empire.

Pizarro Crushes Incas

• Campaign in 1532 defeated the Inca Empire.

• Captured Atahualpa and established Spanish control over Peru.

Elizabeth I Becomes Queen of England

• Became queen in 1558, following the death of Mary I.

Raleigh Founds Lost Colony at Roanoke Island

• Established Roanoke Colony in 1585.

• First English settlement in America, which mysteriously vanished.

England Defeats Spanish Armada

• Established itself as a major naval power.

Spanish Conquered Pueblo Peoples

• Social event from 1598 to 1609.

• Defeated peoples of Rio Grande Valley.

Virginia Colony Founded at Jamestown

• Established in 1607 with the founding at Jamestown.

• First permanent English settlement in America.

Columbus

• Italian Explorer who made four voyages to The Americas starting in 1492

• Leading to European awareness of the continent.