European Expansion

Christopher Columbus sets sail

Aug 3, 1492

Christopher Columbus was an important explorer during the European expansion. He was born in 1451 in Italy. However, he sailed under the Spanish monarch, King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella. He sailed with three ships: the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. They landed on Guanahani, an island off the southeastern North America in October 1492. Source

Juan Ponce de Leon establishes Florida

Apr 2, 1513

Juan Ponce de Leon was a Spanish explorer. He was searching for the "Fountain of Youth" that he thought was in this area. He claimed Florida for the Spanish, however, he thought it was only an island. ImageVideoSource

Hernando Cortes conquers the Aztec Empire

Aug 13, 1521

Hernando Cortes was an explorer/conquerer for the Spanish empire. After a three month siege of the capital of the Aztec Empire, Tenochtitlán, Cortes conquered it. Cortes became the leader of the Empire. Source Image

English colonists establish a colony at Roanoke Island

Jun 26, 1585

ImageThe history of the establishment is interesting at Roanoke Island. It is still somewhat a mystery today because there is no trace of it. English colonists were sailing under the English monarch, Queen Elizabeth I. Led by Sir Richard Grenvile, he set sail with 5 ships. Only three ships arrived safely. They attempted to set up a colony, but failed.
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John Smith establish Jamestown

May 13, 1607

ImageEnglish explorer John Smith was the captain of the fleet of ships that saild across the Atlantic to establish a colony in the Americas.
His ships included: Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. Jamestown was named after English king, King James I. FactsVideoSource

English "Pilgrims" found Plymouth Colony

Dec 18, 1620

The Mayflower was a three-masted merchant ship. In Spetember of 1620, it set sail for the New World with over 100 English men and women aboard. In mid-December, it docked at Plymouth Rock. This group of people are most known for the first Thanksgiving with the Indians. Source
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Dutch found colony of New Netherland

Jun 12, 1621

ImageUnder the West India Company, the Dutch government set up a charter to establish New Netherland. The Dutch wanted to be involved in the race for founding the New World. Also, many people who came to New Netherland were facing persecution, war, or natural disaster. *Could not find an exact date, but was founded sometime in 1621. <a href='http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newnetherland/what.htm'

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English Puritans found the Massachusetts Bay Colony

Jun 12, 1630

John Winthrop headed the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony under the Enlglish crown. His fleet included 12 ships and over 1,000 people. They sailed across the Atlantic and arrived in New Englad in mid-June. Source
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England takes New Amsterdam from the Dutch

Sep 8, 1664

ImageBefore 1664, New Netherland and its capital, New Amsterdam were under control of the Dutch. However, an Enlgish colonel, Richard Nicolls was able to capture the capital for the English. New Amsterdam was changed to New York in honor of Duke of York in England. Source

William Penn receives charter for Pennsylvania

Mar 4, 1681

William Penn was a Quaker in Englad. He recieved this from King Charles II because of the Kings' debt to his deceased father. Penn recieved west and south of New Jersey. He established Pennsylvania. Source/Image