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Apr 16, 1492
Columbus sails to the Americas
Christopher Columbus convinced Spain to let him find a route to Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean, but Columbus made the mistake of thinking he could find Asia just by sailing west. He landed on an island in the Carriebean thinking it was the West Indies and was met by Native Americans. -
Oct 16, 1492
The Columbian Exchange
This was the global transfer of plants, animals, and disease that happened when the Europeans tried to colonize the Americas. Dieseases, like smallpox and measles, were also introduced to the Native Americans and led to millions of their deaths. -
Apr 16, 1521
Cortez conquers the Aztecs
Cortez martched 600 men to the Aztec capital after learning about the wealthy empire. Montezuma, the Aztec emperor, first thought Cortez was a God because of his clothing which is why he agreeded to share the empire's gold supply with him. Cortez was also more advanced in army equipment than the Aztecs were. -
Apr 16, 1530
Copernicus presents the Heliocentric Theory
The Heliocentric Theory is the idea that the earth and the other planets revolved around the Sun. -
English settle Jamestown
A company of London investors recieved from King James a charter to find a colony in North America; the colonists names this town Jamestown in honor of their king. -
Louis XIV of France begins his reign
Louis XIV officially became king at 4 years old but didnt take the throne until he was old enough to rule. The nobles wanted to be powerful but Louis did not waqnt them to be involved so he kept them busy in court life. Louis would kick any of the nobles out who tired to overpower him. -
Peter the Great of Russia begins his reign
Peter was very interested in military equipment and wanted to modernize it. He wanted to borrow the European technology to achieve this goal. After winning a war against Sweden, he built St. Petersburg. -
Glorius Revolution in England
Parliment was angered by James II's actions and the possibility that his Catholic son could become king so they invited James' daughter, Mary, and her husband Willian to overthrow the king. -
The storming of the Bastille
A angry mob was formed and stormed the Bastille as a response to the King bringing in Swiss soldiers. The commander of the Bastille, de Launay, attempted to surrender but the mob didn't accept his offer and killed him. No gaurd was left alive and this was celebrated like our 4th of July. -
French Revolution begins
The social and political system of France was called the Old Regime. The people of France were divided into three large social classes; 1st estate, 2nd estate, and 3rd estate. This revolution was caused because the 3rd estate, also the biggest social group, wanted their voice to be heard in the country. -
Napoleon conquers most of Europe
Napoleon only set out to conquer France and then England but in the end took over most of Europe. -
Westernization in Russia
Peter the Great wanted to increase his power as an absolute monarch to advance his prograame of westernization. He introduced potatoes, started Russia's firsst newspaper, raised women's status, and advanced education.
