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Apr 13, 1492
Columbus sails to the Americas
Christopher Columbus led his three ships- the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria-out of the Spanish port of Palos to search for Asia. When Columbus landed in the Americas, he thought that he had reached Asia.
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Apr 13, 1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
During the Age of Exploration, Spain and Portugal had conflicts about the newly discovered lands. In 1494, Spain and Portugal agreed upon the Line of Demarcation, which separated their lands. This agreement was known as the Treaty of Tordesillas. -
Apr 13, 1500
Beginning of Slavery
During the 1500s, European colonists needed cheap labor, so they turned to use enslaved Africans on plantations and farms. Europeans saw many advantages in using Africans as slaves. They already had been exposed to European disease, and many of them had experience in farming.
<a href='http://http://www.britannica.com/blackhistory/article-24158' >More information on the beginning -
Apr 13, 1521
Cortez conquers the Aztecs
The Spanish conquest was a major victory for the European settlers. They intended to convert the Aztecs to Christianity; however, their methods were radical.
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Apr 13, 1543
Copernicus presents the Heliocentric Theory
The polish astronomer, Nicholas Copernicus, proposed the heliocentric theory, which is the belief that the Earth and all the other planets revolve around the sun. He published the book, "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Bodies." -
English settle Jamestown
A group of 104 English settlers began a settlement onVirginia's James River's banks. They were sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, but they suffered many terrible hardships during the first years. -
The English Civil War
The Civil War began because of a split between King Charles I and the Parliament. Supporters of the king were called Cavaliers, and the Parliamentary forces were known as the Roundheads. -
Restoration
When the monarchy's power was restored, it was known as the "Restoration." It began when King Charles II was crowned king in England. -
Peter the Great of Russia begins his reign
When Peter the Great began his reign, Russia was an undeveloped country compared to the other European countries. He traveled Europe in 1697-98 to study the advancements in technology, particularly shipbuilding. -
Glorious Revolution in England
The Glorious Revolution is considered to be the greatest landmark in the history of England because it achieved its purpose without any bloodshed.
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Louis XIV of France begins his reign
Technically speaking, Louis XIV became king at the age of four when his father, King Louis XIII, died. He officially became king at the age of 20, and throughout his reign, he expanded France's power. He is true example of an absolute monarch.
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French Revolution
New ideas from the Scientific Revolution influenced people to rethink their government system. This led to the French Revolution. -
Storming of the Bastille
Angry citizens stormed the Bastille after hearing rumors of attacks from the governent and suffering from starvation. July 14 is celebrated like our Fourth of July in France. -
Napoleon conquers most of Europe
The beginning of the French Revolutionary Wars began in 1792 when the greatest military commander, Napoleon, led the French army. Although he barely lost any wars, he was never able to conquer Russia. -
Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror began in 1793 after the death of King Louis XIV and lasted until 1794. The Terror was designed to fight the enemies of the revolution; however, most people that were executed during this period were ordinary citizens.
