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.