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Aug 12, 1492
Columbus Discovers the New World
Columbus sailed in search of a shorter trade route to India sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Instead of landing in India, he landed on a small island in the Bahamas which he named San Salvador, His discovery of theNew World would mark the beginning of the Columbian Exchange: the transfer of peoples, animals, plants, and diseases between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. -
Aug 13, 1521
Cortez conquers the Aztecs
Hernan Cortez, a conquistador, led the Spainiards to conquer the Aztecs by defeating Montezuma at thier capital, Tenochitlan, The quest to defeat the Aztecs began in 1519, but was not successful until after a three month seige beginning in May 1521. Disease brought by the Europeans contributed immensely to their downfall. Overall, this event displayed Spains power and control in the New World -
English defeat the Spanish Armada
Up until thier defeat, the Spanish controlled the seas. At the time of thier defeat, the Spanish Armada, the invincible fleet of 130 ships, was on thier way to England to overthrow Queen Elizabeth. England was able to defeat the Soanish becase of thier smaller and more maneuverable ships. This event marked a transition of power from Spain to England. Defeating the Armada enabled English ships to now reach the new world, start colonies, and have more involvement in trade across the seas. -
Jamestown, Virginia is settled
Jamestown, Virginia was the first permanent settlement established by the English. Although the suffered a starving time and lost ninety percent of the population, the colony found a way to survive by trading with Indians. John Smith can be thanked for holding the colony together in times when it was close to disintegrating. -
Industrial Revolution in England
the Industrial Revolution began in England around 1760 and lasted until 1850. This revolution occurred in Engladn first because of thier large population, rescources from world trade, and cottage industry. It all began with the textile industry, the continued to iron, steam, factories, and railroads. By the 19th, England controlled the largest empire in the world. -
Battle of Trafalgar
This battle was fought at sea between the English Royal Navy and the combined forces of the French and Spanish navies. The British defeated the French and Spanish without losing a single ship, while the combined French and Spanish lost twenty two ships. Overall, the English victory confirmed their supreme power at sea. -
Railroad Mania
During the 1840s over 9,500 miles of railroad track were laid in England. the new railroads brought trade and travel for all classes of people. Although the railroad stocks eventually crashed, the new system of railways made England more advanced than other countries at the time, strengthening its power. -
London hosts the 1st World's Fair
The event took place at the grand Crystal Palace, a structure made of cast iron and glass designed by Joseph Paxton. Inside the building the exhibits were contained, along with shrubs and statues. Running from May 1 to October 11, Henry Cole, and Prince Albert organized the event. Prince Albert hoped that by having the event he could showcase Britain to an international audience while also increasing trade. Over six million people attended this cultural fair.
