New Spain By sspencer15 Jan 1, 1492 Columbus Reaches New World Jan 1, 1501 Encomienda system begins Jan 1, 1519 Charles V Becomes holy roman Emperor Nov 4, 1519 Cortes Conquers the Aztecs Period: Nov 4, 1519 to Nov 4, 1556 Charles V rules Spain and New Spain Jan 1, 1524 council of the Indies are created Jan 1, 1535 Viceroyalty of New Spain is created Nov 4, 1537 Printing press arrives Jan 1, 1540 Viceroy is established in Peru Jan 1, 1545 Opening of Patosi mines Jan 1, 1556 Charles V abdicates the Throne Period: Jan 1, 1556 to Jan 1, 1598 Phillip II rules Spain and the Americas Jan 1, 1578 (English) Sir Francis drake plunders Spanish ports Jan 1, 1609 Santa Fe established Jan 1, 1717 Encomienda system ends