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Oct 12, 1492
Columbus Finds America
On October 11, 1492, Columbus spotted America. This opened a whole new world of trading possibilities. He met with Indians and learned many new things. This eventually created trading routes between Africa, America, and Europe. -
May 20, 1497
Vasco da Gama
He was the first European to reach India by sea. The route was faster and safer than the routes previously used. They wouldn't have to cross the Mediterranean sea, nor the Arabian peninsula. Finding India meant that Europe could set up a long lasting empire in Asia and made a spice trade with them. -
Aug 13, 1521
Fall of the Aztec Empire
Hernando Cortes led a fleet in 1519 to take over the Aztecs. Cortes had never been in battle before this. In 1521 he captured the emporer Cuauhtemoc and the city of Tenochtitlan the capitol of the Aztec empire. Because of the fall of the Aztecs Spain had more land and forced the surviving people to read and write in Spanish -
Aug 23, 1572
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre
King Charles IX under the sway of his mother ordered the assassination of Admiral Gaspard de Coligny and several other Huguenots leaders. This went on for several weeks with anywhere from 5000 to 30,000 dead. After these massacres the huguenots never trusted Valois kings. France also had four more religious wars. -
Elizabeth 1 Dies
Elizabeth 1 dies without an heir. Because of this her cousin James 1 takes the throne, and was a puritan. -
Civil War in England
In 1642 issues with long parliment led to armed conflict between parliment and Charles 1. After the civil war Charles 1 was captured, and put on trial. This led Cromwell to create a republic, after the civil war. -
Louis XIV Becomes King
Louis XIV of France became king when he was only four years old. Cardinal Richelieu ruled for him until he was of age. He was a very bold leader and wasn't afraid to say anything. He named himself the sun king. He helped neutralize threats from Spain which brought stability to France as a oountry in the 16th century. -
Charles 1 Executed
Oliver Cromwell captured Charles 1 and had him go to trial where he was voted to be executed by one vote. This brought England back to it's original state from before. -
Oliver Cromwell Dies
Cromwell was thought to suffer from malaria. The most likely cause of his death though was septcaemia following his urinary infection. His son Richard became Lord Protector but was forced to resign for lacking political and military power. -
Mary and William the Third of Orange Become King and Queen
Fearing the people would turn on him James the second flees and because of the Mary and William take the throne and rule until they die. No blood shed was made between James, and Mary and William. This was the first time England had an English Bill of Rights. This was something the king and queen had to sign telling them what they can and can't do. -
Bill of Rights
This was the first bill of rights for England. This was a big deal for rulers, because it meant they had limited power. Many things came out of the bill of rights, a few were political parties were now a thing, Parliament and Monarchy now had an equal descision. -
Voltaire dies
After years of writing about basic human rights Voltaire died in his sleep. He fought for freedom of slaves, religon, and speech. While he was alive he made people realize that they had rights and their leaders should respect these rights.