Vasco de Gama's voyage around Africa in 1488 reduced Europe's dependence on the Silk Road and shifted economic power to the Iberian Peninsula. Columbus' discovery of the Americas in 1492 led to new trade routes and European colonization. The Middle Passage trade route beginning in 1501 resulted in the forced migration of nearly 6 million people in a tragic exploitation of humanity.

1. TOP TEN EVENTS TIMELINES

2. 1488 Sailing Around Africa Vasco de Gama’s feat of finding a water route to India reduced the dependency on the Silk Road and slowly shifted the economic power in Europe from Italian merchants to the Iberian Peninsula.

3. 1492 Discovery of the New World Arguably the most important event in history of western civilization, the discovery led to the development of new trades routes (triangular trade) and the European colonization of the Americas.

4. 1501 Developing the Middle Passage The trade route resulted in the transcontinental migration of nearly 6 million people. It marked the worst example of humanity in the exploitation of people for economic profit in the history of civilization.

5. 1509 Painting of the Sistine Chapel The quintessential artistic achievement of the Italian Renaissance, this artistic endeavor embodied the style, luxury and ostentation of the Renaissance.

6. 1517 Posting of the 95 Theses This simple act symbolized the beginning of the Reformation which resulted in the exodus of several million Roman Catholic worshippers to various Protestant denominations which led to an ongoing struggle for freedom to worship in several European nations.

7. 1521 Defeat of the Aztecs Hernan Cortes and the conquistadors conquering of the third largest city in the world resulted in a growing Spanish influence in modern day Mexico and Central America.

8. 1532 Defeat of the Incans Pizarro’s military accomplishment enabled Spanish to begin to colonize South America and establish viceroys throughout the New World.

9. 1535 Developing the Anglican Church Henry VIII’s Act of Supremacy helped bring ideas of the Protestant Reformation to England which was predominately Catholic prior to his divorce from Catharine of Aragon.

10. 1562 Huguenot Wars These series of wars lasted several years. Focused in France, they focused on French nobles who practiced Calvinism fighting the traditional leadership of the Roman Catholic Church and monarchy.

11. 1588 Defeat of the Spanish Armada Arguably one of the greatest military events, Elizabeth I’s navy protected protestant England from invasion from Roman Catholic Philip II significantly changing the balance of power in Europe.

12. 1600 Founding of East India Co. The creation of this monopoly was the quintessential mark of mercantilism and economic exploitation and mastery of trade by western civilization. The company made Great Britain a international giant.

13. 1620 Landing on Plymouth Rock This act of colonization in North America made the future United States a symbol of religious refuge and a predominately English speaking nation.

14. 1626 Purchasing of Manhattan The Dutch East India Company’s act led to the creation of the largest city in the United States. The borough serves as a major international trading center today.

15. 1649 English Civil War The Puritan overthrow of the English monarchy was the first of revolts against European kings by their own people.

16. 1652 Colonizing Cape Colony During the era of trade and exploration, the Dutch settled the southern tip of Africa helping them control a key strategic location on the trade route between Europe and southeast Asia.

17. 1660 Restoring English Monarchy Following the reign of Lord Protector, the English congress displeased with the weak leadership decided to bring back Charles II and crown him as leader.

18. 1673 Leewenhoek’s microscope This technological advancement enabled scientists to observe bacteria. Many medical breakthroughs can be credited to the use of the device.

19. 1687 Newton publishing Principia

20. 1688 Glorious Revolution

21. 1698 Stock Exchange developed

22. 1712 Creation of Steam Engine

23. 1764 Invention of Spinning Jenny

24. 1776 Signing of Declaration of Independence

25. 1789 Bastille Day

26. 1792 New York Stock Exchange

27. 1793 Invention of Cotton Gin

28. 1793 Reign of Terror

29. 1796 Development of Smallpox Vaccine

30. 1807 Creation of Steamboat

31. 1815 Battle of Waterloo