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Period: Jul 12, 1492 to
Spanish Settlement in America
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Aug 12, 1492
Christopher Coloumbus Travels to the Indies
In 1492, Christopher Columbus was sent by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to sponsor a voyage for Spain. From here on, Christoper Columbus sailed with three small ships to explore the islands of what is now the Caribbean Sea. -
Jul 5, 1501
Slave Trade in Begins in America
European slave traders begin shipping slaves to the Caribbean for sale. Many European explorers during this time traded valuable items such as guns and goods for African slaves. These African slaves were used to mine gold for the Spanish and to grow their cotton. -
Apr 10, 1513
Ponce de Leon Goes off in Search of the "Fountain of Youth"
Ponce de Leon was eager to discover the truth of a popular Indian rumor about the "Fountain of Youth", Despite his wealth, he decides to go with two-hundred other men to Florida and find this popular rumor. He was unable to find it when he was there, but he made sure to establish a Spanish settlement. -
Sep 13, 1519
Hernan Cortez defeats the Aztecs
When Hernan Cortez found out about the wonderful riches the Aztec Empire possessed, he wanted to be the first one to conquer them. This was exactly what he did. In 1519, Cortez and five-hundred soldiers went to the Aztec Empire and conquered them, making sure not to leave any gold behind.They tore down the Aztec Empire and used its stones to create what they called Mexico City. -
Sep 16, 1532
Francisco Pizarro defeats the Incas
Francisco Pizarro led an attack against the Inca Empire and successfully defeated them. When he was there he killed the Inca Chief, Atahualpa, and took all of their gold. From there Spanish conquistadors conquered most of South America.
