He sails west for Spain and lands on Caribbean islands. He claims lands and people for Spain.
Timeline of Key Events
The Spanish conquest was not just one event, but a series of turning points that changed the Americas forever. From Columbus’s first voyage to the fall of the Inca Empire, each moment shaped the lives of millions and left a lasting impact on history. This timeline shows the key events that tell the story of those years.
He makes alliances with Indigenous groups who oppose the Aztec Empire.
The disease spreads through central Mexico and kills many, including Moctezuma II.
Cortés and Indigenous allies defeat the Aztec capital.
At Cajamarca, the Inca ruler is captured during a surprise meeting.
Atahualpa is executed; the Inca capital is taken.
Spain tries to limit abuses in the encomienda system.
The last Inca stronghold is defeated; Spanish control spreads across the Andes.
Put the events in order
1492 — Columbus reaches the Caribbean
1519 — Cortés lands in Mexico
1520 — Smallpox outbreak in Mexico
1521 — Fall of Tenochtitlan
1532 — Pizarro seizes Atahualpa
1533 — Spanish enter Cuzco
1542 — New Laws
1572 — Vilcabamba falls
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