Atlantic World and Discovery of the New World

Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue

Oct 10, 1492

The continent on which Columbus landed, America, was previously unknown to Europeans. Because of this voyage, Europe and the Americas would become much more connected, and for the first time we can actually speak of a true "World history".

First Enslaved Africans Arrive in the Americas

Oct 10, 1511

Enslaved Africans coming to the Americas would eventually build up to the Atlantic slave trade, which would be a very lucrative trade for the next three centuries. The route the slaves took to the Americas was known as the middle passage, and Africans were treated very cruelly as slaves.

Cortés Conquers Aztec Empire

Oct 10, 1521

Because Cortés conquered the mighty Aztecs, the Spanish were able to establish the Viceroyalty of New Spain, which mainly consisted of what is now Mexico and the southwestern United States. The Viceroyalty of New Spain helped make the Spanish wealthier, and there are still Spanish influences on that region today.

Pizarro Conquers Incan Empire

Oct 10, 1533

Because Pizarro conquered the powerful Inca, the Spanish could establish the Viceroyalty of Perú, whose silver mines would make the Spanish very rich. There are still Spanish influences on the region today.

English Found Jamestown

Oct 10, 1607

Jamestown was the first English colony in the Americas to survive over a long period of time. Although it flopped in the beginning, tobacco was discovered at Jamestown, which would make the English very wealthy. Many more English colonies would be established in the Americas, and the English would thrive from these colonies. There are still English influences on the region today. If it weren't for Jamestown, I might not even be writing this in English.

English Found Plymouth

Oct 10, 1620

The Pilgrims, who sought religious freedom, founding Plymouth paved the way for the Puritans, who also sought religious freedom, to arrive in Massachusetts in 1630. Plymouth was also the first English colony to have whole families, unlike the mainly single, male population of Jamestown. Having whole families showed that these people were here to stay, and there is still an English legacy in the region.

French and Indian War Ends

Oct 10, 1763

As a result of the British victory, the French surrendered most of their land in the Americas. England would gain a lot more land from this surrender and would become more successful in Europe's North American pursuits. Also, the original English North American colonies and this new English land broke away from England and became the U.S. and Canada. These countries both have a bit of a French legacy, but the land that once belonged to the French broke away from England.