Historical Events tagged with "new world"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Papal Bull Divides New World Between Spain and Portugal

May 4th, 1493 531 years ago

Pope Alexander VI issued the papal bull Inter caetera to divide newly discovered lands in the Americas between Spain and Portugal. This decree was rooted in the Treaty of Tordesillas and established the Line of Demarcation, which showed the distribution of influence over the New World. The move aimed to resolve conflicts and competition between these nations following Christopher Columbus's voyages. The line was significant as it affected colonial interests and laid the groundwork for future territorial disputes that shaped the Americas.

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Exploration & Discovery

Columbus Returns to Lisbon from the New World

March 4th, 1493 532 years ago

Explorer Christopher Columbus arrived back in Lisbon, Portugal, aboard his ship Niña after completing his historic voyage. He had journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching various islands, including those in what are now known as The Bahamas and the Caribbean. This journey marked the beginning of European exploration in the Americas. The return was celebrated and marked a significant moment in maritime history, highlighting Columbus's role in connecting the Old World to the New World.

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Exploration & Discovery

Columbus Pens Letter on New World Discoveries

February 15th, 1493 532 years ago

While aboard the Niña, Christopher Columbus wrote a letter detailing his findings in the New World. He expressed wonder at the diverse flora and fauna and the opportunities he envisioned for Spain. This letter was distributed upon his return to Portugal and generated substantial interest in further exploration. His descriptions included encounters with Indigenous peoples and unfamiliar crops.

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Exploration & Discovery

Santa María runs aground off Haiti

December 25th, 1492 532 years ago

On Christmas Day, the carrack Santa María, commanded by Christopher Columbus, ran aground on a reef near present-day Haiti due to insufficient watchkeeping. This unfortunate mishap happened during Columbus's first voyage to the New World, marking a critical moment in the expedition. Crew members struggled to save the vessel, but the damage proved too severe, leading to its abandonment. The incident would alter the course of Columbus's explorations and subsequent interactions with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean.

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Exploration & Discovery

Columbus Reaches Cuba, Mistakenly Believes in Japan

October 28th, 1492 532 years ago

Christopher Columbus landed on the coast of Cuba during his first voyage to the New World, believing he had arrived in Asia, specifically Japan. This landing marked a significant moment in his exploration as he sought a western route to the East Indies. Columbus, motivated by the lucrative spice trade, was the first European to document this region, which he named Juana. His misidentification of Cuba as Japan showcased his misconceptions about the geography of the New World.

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Exploration & Discovery

Columbus Lands on San Salvador Island

October 12th, 1492 532 years ago

Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, made landfall on San Salvador Island in the Caribbean during his first expedition. Sailing under the Spanish flag, he embarked on this voyage in search of a westward route to Asia. The journey culminated in his arrival on San Salvador, which he named, believing he had reached the East Indies. This event marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization in the Americas.

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Exploration & Discovery

Christopher Columbus' Arrival in Canary Islands

August 12th, 1492 532 years ago

Christopher Columbus reached the Canary Islands on his first voyage to the New World, making a stop at this crucial waypoint. Columbus, sailing under the auspices of the Spanish Crown, sought a westward route to Asia. The islands served as a replenishing station for food and supplies before he continued his journey. During this stop, Columbus interacted with local inhabitants and prepared his ships for the daring voyage ahead into uncharted waters.

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Exploration & Discovery

Capitulations of Santa Fe Signed by Columbus

April 17th, 1492 532 years ago

In 1492, Christopher Columbus secured an agreement with the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II, known as the Capitulations of Santa Fe. This significant contract outlined Columbus's plans to voyage westward to reach Asia, aiming to acquire valuable spices and establish new trade routes. The Capitulations provided Columbus with titles, authority, and a share of any profits from potential discoveries. This agreement marked a pivotal moment in Spanish exploration, setting the foundation for future expeditions to the New World and the subsequent age of exploration.

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