> CHRONOLOGY

1519

  • Hernán Cortés searches for wealth in Mexico.

1520

  • Mexica in Tenochtitlán revolt against Spaniards.

1521

  • Cortés conquers Mexica.

1532

  • Francisco Pizarro begins conquest of Peru.

1539

  • Hernando de Soto explores southeastern North America.

1540

  • Francisco Vásquez de Coronado starts to explore Southwest and Great Plains.

1542

  • Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo explores California coast.

1549

  • Repartimiento reforms replace encomienda.

1565

  • St. Augustine, Florida, is settled.

1598

  • Juan de Oñate explores New Mexico.

1599

  • Acoma pueblo revolts against Oñate.