14th to 18th Century Europe By abooth2 Period: Jan 1, 1400 to Jan 1, 1800 Europe 1400 - 1800 Jan 1, 1450 Johannes Gutenberg begins using his new printing press in Mainz, Germany Jan 1, 1492 1469-1492, Florence is ruled by Lorenzo de Medici Jan 1, 1492 Columbus sails on new ship design, called a caravel, to discover the Americas Jan 1, 1504 Michelangelo completes his sculpture David Jan 1, 1517 Martin Luther posts his Ninety-Five Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, an act that leads to the Reformation Jan 1, 1519 1519-1521. Cortes conquers the Aztec Empire Jan 1, 1525 William Tyndale translates the Bible into English Feb 23, 1543 Copernicus's theory of the heliocentric, or sun-centered universe is published. Jan 1, 1545 1545-1563. In response to the Reformation, the Council of Trent reaffirms Catholic beliefs and teachings. Jan 1, 1609 Galileo uses a telescope to make important astronomical discoveries Jan 1, 1690 Locke argues that the purpose of government is to protect people's natural rights. If it fails, the people can overthrow it. Jan 1, 1748 Montesquieu argues for a separation of powers through three branches of government
