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Period: Jan 1, 1490 to
Atlantic World and Discovery of the New World
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Aug 3, 1492
Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
Columbus, an Italian sailing for Spain, set sail on August 3, 1492. He comandeered three ships - the Niña, the Pinta, and the flagship, the Santa Maria. -
Jan 1, 1511
First Enslaved Africans Arrive in the Americas
In 1511, the first enslaved Africans arrived in the Americas. This marks the start of a period of slavery that wouldn't end for 354 more years. -
Jan 1, 1521
Cortés conquers Aztec Empire
In 1521, Hernan Cortés conquered the Aztec empire. Although he had fewer numbers, there were many other factors that helped him conquer such as disease, superior weaponry, and allying with other tribes. -
Jan 1, 1533
Pizarro conquers Incan Empire
Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, crushed the Inca with only 200 men. He used his superior weaponry and disease to aid him in the fight. -
English found Jamestown
In 1607 the English found Jamestown, the first successful American settlement. Even though only seven out of every ten people survived the first winter, Europeans were still drawn to Jamestown. -
English found Plymouth
13 years after the English found Jamestown, another colony is born: Plymouth. -
French and Indian War ends
Even though the French allied with the Natives to fight, they were no match for the powerful English.