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Feb 18, 1492
Competing for Colonies
The French claimed present-day Canada and most of present-day United States. The Spanish moved north, making claims to present-day Texas and Florida. The English and Dutch maintained colonies along the East Coast. Native Americans entered the conflict, in attempt to play the Europeans against each other. Competition was also fierce in the Caribbean, as European nations fought to acquire the profitable sugar-producing colonies. -
Dec 2, 1492
Columbus Sails to the Americas
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. His landing in the Caribbean was a significant event in relation to imperialism. He sailed for the Spanish throne, in attempt to grow their empire's sphere of influence. -
Period: Dec 2, 1492 to
The Beginnings of the Global Age
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Mar 16, 1493
The Columbian Exchange
When Columbus returned to the Americas with some 1,200 settlers and a collection of European animals and plants. In this way, Columbus began a vast global exchange the would profoundly affect the world. -
Aug 11, 1532
African Slave Trade
As the demand for sugar products skyrocketed, the settlers imported millions of Africans as slaves. Bartolome de Las Casas, a priest, believed that Africans were immune to tropical diseases and had skills in farming, mining, and metalworking. -
Apr 13, 1564
Ruling the Spanish Empire
By the mid-1500s, Spain claimed a vast empire stretching from California to South America. In time, it divided these lands into four provinces, including New Spain (Mexico) and Peru. -
The French and Indian War
Britain and France emerged as powerful rivals. They clashed in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. In North America, war between the two powers erupted in 1754. This turned into a worldwide struggle known as the Seven Years' War , which spread to Europe in 1756 and then to India and Africa.
