discovery of america History Timeline and Biographies

1492

Christopher Columbus's First Voyage

In 1492, Christopher Columbus, sponsored by Spain, embarked on his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. He aimed to find a westward route to Asia but instead made landfall in the Bahamas, marking the beginning of the European discovery of America. Columbus's journey opened the door for further exploration and colonization by European powers.

1493

Columbus's Second Voyage and the Establishment of the First Settlement

In 1493, Columbus returned to the New World with a larger fleet and established the settlement of La Isabela on Hispaniola. This marked one of the first European attempts to colonize parts of the Americas, furthering the discovery of America and its potential for European exploitation.

1498

Columbus's Third Voyage and the Discovery of the South American Mainland

During his third voyage in 1498, Columbus reached the northern coast of South America, specifically present-day Venezuela. This journey expanded the understanding of the geography of the New World and contributed to the ongoing narrative of the discovery of America.

1513

Juan Ponce de León's Exploration of Florida

In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León landed on the coast of Florida, claiming it for Spain. His expedition was part of the broader European exploration and discovery of America, as it revealed new territories and resources to be exploited by European powers.

1521

Hernán Cortés Conquers the Aztec Empire

In 1521, Hernán Cortés led an expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico. This conquest exemplified the impact of the European discovery of America, as it led to the establishment of Spanish dominance in the region and significant cultural exchanges.

1533

Francisco Pizarro Conquers the Inca Empire

Francisco Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire in 1533 furthered the Spanish exploration and exploitation of South America. This event highlighted the dramatic consequences of the discovery of America, including the collapse of indigenous civilizations and the influx of wealth to Spain.

1565

Establishment of St. Augustine, the First Permanent European Settlement

In 1565, the Spanish founded St. Augustine in Florida, which became the first permanent European settlement in the continental United States. This event underscored the long-term implications of the discovery of America, as it paved the way for further colonization efforts by various European nations.

1607

Founding of Jamestown, the First Permanent English Settlement

In 1607, the English established Jamestown in Virginia, marking the beginning of permanent English colonization in America. This settlement was a significant development in the story of the discovery of America, as it set the stage for future English expansion and conflict with indigenous peoples.

1620

Pilgrims Arrive on the Mayflower

In 1620, a group of English Puritans known as the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower and established Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. This event was part of the broader narrative of the discovery of America, as it represented a quest for religious freedom and new beginnings in the New World.

1776

Declaration of Independence and the Rise of American Identity

In 1776, the Thirteen Colonies declared independence from Britain, marking a significant shift in the narrative of the discovery of America. This event led to the formation of a new nation and a distinct American identity, influenced by the earlier explorations and colonization efforts.

1803

Louisiana Purchase and Westward Expansion

In 1803, the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the nation and promoting westward expansion. This acquisition was a continuation of the exploration and discovery of America, as it opened vast new lands for settlement and development.

1848

California Gold Rush and Mass Migration

The California Gold Rush began in 1848, attracting hundreds of thousands of people to the West in search of fortune. This mass migration was a direct result of the earlier discoveries of America and the promise of new opportunities in the newly acquired territories.

1898

Spanish-American War and the Emergence of the U.S. as a Global Power

The Spanish-American War in 1898 marked a turning point in U.S. history, as it resulted in the United States acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This event illustrated the ongoing legacy of the discovery of America, as the U.S. expanded its influence beyond the continent.

1960s-2020s

Reevaluation of the Discovery of America and Indigenous Rights Movement

From the 1960s to the present, there has been a growing reevaluation of the discovery of America, particularly regarding the impact on indigenous populations. Movements advocating for indigenous rights and recognition of historical injustices have gained momentum, reshaping the narrative of the discovery of America in contemporary society.