-
Aug 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus Discovers the New World
In 1492, Christopher Columbus, on behalf of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabelle, landed on the island of Guanahani in the Bahamas. Thinking he had landed in India, he named the island San Salvador (Holy Savior). Little did he know that he actually landed in North America and would later be titled the discoverer of the New World—America. -
Jun 25, 1521
Aztecs are Conquered
In 1521, Hernando de Cortez invaded the Aztec empire in Tenochtitlan (modern day Mexico City). His men conquered the Aztecs due to their easy availability to advanced weaponry such as guns and horses. The guns and horses vastly overpowered the Aztec Indians, as in they were mostly fighting with their hands and spears. Although the weaponry was a factor in the Aztec's defeat, diseases such as the measles, mumps, and small pox brought over by Europeans killed off most of the Aztecs. -
The First Thanksgiving
After surviving a long hard winter in Plymouth, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians celebrated a grand feast due to their first harvest in the New World. The first thanksgiving took place in November 1621, and was meant as a blessing to God for thankfulness and the end of a long lasting drought. -
The French and Indian War Begins
The French and Indian War, also known as part of the seven years war, was a battle between Britain and New France over territory of land. Both sides had allies with local Indian tribes, which wouldn't have been possible had they not been discovered. The result of the war ended in Britain defeating France and gaining access to several new territories of land, as well as establishing Britain's power and authority both in the New and Old World. -
The Revolutionary War Begins
The Revolutionary War sparked a very important moment in American history, as in it marks the moment in which America "breaks away" from the mother colony of Great Britain. The war initially began because colonists became enraged at the constant increase of taxes on every day items. This causes them to band together and fight back which eventually resulted in America's true independence in 1783. -
Irish Potato Famine Begins
Originating in North America, the potato became an important stable crop in Ireland during the 1800s. However, in 1845 a great starvation hit Ireland causing all the potato crops to rot and decay, making them un-eatable. Approximately 1 million people died from the Irish Potato Famine, and it is arguably one of the worst famines in history. -
London Hosts the First World's Fair
The First World's Fair in 1851 also known as the Crystal Palace Exhibition was an international convention in which numerous countries from around the world came together to celebrate the Industry of all Nations. The fair brought cultural and industrial experiences to London, which would set the stage for more World Fairs.
