Latin America

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Timeline: Latin America

Years: c. 5000 BCE - 2010	Subject: Encyclopedias, Geographical reference
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191736674

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 5000 BCE	Squash and chili are the first plants to be cultivated in America, in the Tehuácan valley in modern Mexico Go to Tehuacán Valley, Mexico in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Neolithic Science Social and domestic Society Central America Mexico
c. 3000 BCE	The llama and the alpaca, two south American members of the camel family, are domesticated Go to llama in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Neolithic 3100-1000 BCE Andean Civilizations Social and domestic Society Peru South America Complex societies, with sophisticated temple architecture, develop at sites such as Aspero and Caral in the Norte Chico region of Peru Go to Aspero, Peru in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Neolithic 3100-1000 BCE Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Peru South America
c. 2500 BCE	At Huaca Prieta, the earliest known farming community in South America, squash, gourds and chili are cultivated Go to Saladoid Culture in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Neolithic 3100-1000 BCE Andean Civilizations Social and domestic Society Peru South America
c. 2000 BCE	Medicine men in Peru practise trephination, cutting holes in the skulls of brave or foolhardy patients Go to Disease in The Oxford Companion to Archaeology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Andean Civilizations Science Medicine Peru South America
c. 1500 BCE	The Maya are believed to have lived in the same region from about 1500 BC to the present day - America's longest example of continuity Go to Maya in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Mesoamerican civilization Migration Society Central America Mexico
c. 1200 BCE	San Lorenzo develops as the first centre of America's earliest civilization, that of the Olmecs Go to San Lorenzo, Mexico in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Mesoamerican civilization Central America Mexico
c. 1000 BCE	Massive stone heads carved by the Olmecs provide a dramatic beginning to the story of American sculpture Go to Olmec in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE 1000-600 BCE Mesoamerican civilization Arts Sculpture Central America Mexico The Olmecs raise large clay platforms, probably with temples at the top, beginning the long American tradition of sacred pyramids Go to Olmec in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE 1000-600 BCE Mesoamerican civilization Architecture American architecture Religion Central America Mexico
c. 900 BCE	Chávin de Huántar becomes the centre of the first civilization of south America Go to Chavín culture in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Peru South America La Venta replaces San Lorenzo as the capital city and cultural centre of the Olmecs Go to La Venta, Chiapas, Mexico in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Mesoamerican civilization Politics Central America Mexico
c. 600 BCE	An Olmec sculptor creates the piece known today as the Wrestler Go to Olmec in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE 6th century BCE Mesoamerican civilization Arts Sculpture Central America Mexico
c. 400 BCE	The Zapotecs create a great city at Monte Alban, continuing the Olmec culture Go to Zapotec in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE 4th century BCE Mesoamerican civilization Central America Mexico
c. 300 BCE - CE 100	The people of Paracas, a coastal region of central Peru, create extremely sophisticated fabrics of woven cotton or vicuña wool Go to Paracas Culture in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE 3rd century BCE Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Central America Peru South America
c. 200 BCE	The earth drawings of the Nazca people, known now as the Nazca Lines, are some of the largest works of art ever created See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE 2nd century BCE Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Architecture American architecture Religion Peru South America The Mochica develop a civilization, in the north of modern Peru, known for its realistic pottery sculpture Go to Mochica in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE 2nd century BCE Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Arts Decorative arts Peru South America
c. 150 BCE	The earliest inscriptions in an American script are those of the Zapotecs, from about this period Go to Zapotec in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Mesoamerican civilization Central America Mexico
c. 50 BCE	The Maya independently develop the concept of place value in numbers, previously pioneered in Babylon Go to Maya in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Mesoamerican civilization Science Central America Mexico The Maya introduce a calendar which has a cycle of fifty-two years, known as the Calendar Round Go to Maya in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Mesoamerican civilization Science Astronomy and space Central America Mexico
c. 100	Teotihuacan, the dominant city in the northern highlands of central America, introduces the god Quetzalcoatl Go to Quetzalcoatl in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Mesoamerican civilization Religion Central America Mexico
c. 200	The potato is cultivated in the Peruvian Andes Go to potato in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century 3rd century Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Social and domestic Society Peru South America
c. 500	The temple city of Tikal is one of many Mayan city states of the Classic period Go to Tikal, Guatemala in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century 6th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Central America Mexico The city of Tiwanaku develops to the south of Lake Titicaca, and soon dominates the surrounding region Go to Tiahuanaco, Bolivia in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century 6th century Politics Conquest and colonization South America Beans are gathered by the Maya from wild cocoa trees and are probably used in a chocolate drink Go to Maya in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century 6th century Mesoamerican civilization Social and domestic Society Central America Mexico Mayan priests feature in stone carvings smoking pipes and puffing the smoke towards the sacred sun Go to Tobacco in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican Cultures (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century 6th century Mesoamerican civilization Social and domestic Society Central America Mexico
c. 700	The quipu is used in the Wari culture and becomes the standard recording device of the Andean civilizations Go to quipu in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century 8th century Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Commerce and industry Society Peru South America
c. 800	Batán Grande, in northern Peru, becomes a great pilgrimage centre in the Sican culture Go to Peru in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century 9th century Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Religion Peru South America
c. 900	Chan Chan, today the largest of the ruined Andean cities, dominates the entire length of Peru Go to Chan Chan in The Oxford Companion to Archaeology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century 10th century Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Politics Peru South America
c. 950	Toltecs move into the valley of Mexico from the north and establish a capital city at Tula Go to Toltecs in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization Migration Society Central America Mexico
c. 960	A fair-skinned and bearded king, by the name of Quetzalcoatl, is exiled from Tula but says that he will be back in a 'One Reed' year. Go to Tula, Mexico in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Central America Mexico
987	The Mayan city of Chichén Itzá is captured by the Toltecs Go to Toltecs in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization Central America Mexico
c. 1000	Man-eating Caribs move into the islands around the sea named after them - the Caribbean Go to Caribs in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century 11th century Migration Society Caribbean The Inca ethnic group migrates into the region of the Cuzco valley in Peru Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century 11th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Migration Society Peru South America
c. 1150	The Aztecs begin to move south from their original home, which they call Aztlan, somewhere in northern Mexico Go to Aztec in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Mesoamerican civilization Migration Society Central America Mexico South America
c. 1345	The Aztecs settle on an uninhabited island in a lake, which they name Tenochtitlan — the site of the modern Mexico City Go to Tenochtitlán, Mexico in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Mesoamerican civilization Migration Society Central America Mexico
1434	The rulers of Tenochtitlan join with two other neighbouring kingdoms to form the Aztec Triple Alliance Go to Aztec in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Central America Mexico
1438	After a decisive victory over the Chanca people, a young Inca prince seizes the throne in Peru and takes the name Pachacuti Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Dynasties and royalty War Peru South America
c. 1440	Cuzco, city of the Incas, grows rapidly in power after Pachacuti ('transformer of the earth') becomes emperor Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Dynasties and royalty Peru South America
c. 1450	The massive architecture of the Incas, consisting of finely dressed irregular blocks of stone, becomes a feature of Cuzco Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Architecture American architecture Peru South America The most sacred of the Inca divinities, Punchao, is symbolized by a great golden disc representing the sun Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Religion Peru South America
1463	The Chimu empire in Peru is conquered by the Incas under the leadership of Pachacuti's son Topa Go to Topa Inca (1493) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty War Peru South America
1471	Topa succeeds his father, Pachacuti, as emperor of the Incas Go to Topa Inca (1493) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Dynasties and royalty Peru South America
1487	When the enlarged pyramid at Tenochtitlan is dedicated to Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec sacrifice of human victims lasts for four days Go to Huitzilopochtli (America) in A Dictionary of World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Mesoamerican civilization Religion Central America Mexico The Inca empire is extended to the north and a second capital is established at Quito Go to Quito (Ecuador) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization Peru South America
1492	The world's first globe is published by Martin Behaim without showing America, in the very year of Columbus' voyage Go to Behaim, Martin (1459–1507) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Printing Technology Germany Caribbean After sailing for five weeks from the Canaries, Columbus and the Pinzón brothers step ashore in the Bahamas Go to Columbus, Christopher (c. 1451–1506) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Caribbean Columbus and his fellow explorers make landfall on the largest of the Caribbean islands, Cuba Go to Columbus, Christopher (c. 1451–1506) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Caribbean Cuba
1493	On Topa's death his son Huayna Capac succeeds to the throne as Inca emperor Go to Topa Inca (1493) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Dynasties and royalty Peru South America Pope Alexander VI draws a line through the Atlantic, dividing new discoveries between Spain (west) and Portugal (east) Go to Alexander VI (1431–1503) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Papacy European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Spanish empire Europe Italy Portugal Spain Empires
1494	In negotiations about the New World at Tordesillas, the king of Portugal insists on a new demarcation line which later brings him Brazil Go to Tordesillas, Treaty of (7 June 1494) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Europe Portugal Empires Brazil South America
1496	Diego Columbus, brother of the explorer, establishes the first secure Spanish colony at Santo Domingo Go to Santo Domingo (Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Caribbean
c. 1500	Even the remote city of Machu Picchu, on its peak above the jungle, is built in the massively precise Inca style of masonry Go to Machu Picchu, Peru in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Architecture American architecture Peru South America The female mamakuna and the male yanakuna are selected in childhood to serve the Inca state Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Peru South America Portuguese explorer Pedro Cabral, with a fleet of thirteen ships, makes landfall in Brazil Go to Cabral, Pedro Álvares (1467–1520) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Exploration Portuguese empire Society Empires Brazil South America The Inca empire has about 25,000 miles of well-serviced roads, designed for caravans of llamas Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society Peru South America European diseases bring death on a massive scale to an American population that has no immunity Go to Aboriginals and European diseases in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Medicine European empires from 1415 Europe Empires In Cuzco's great temple, the sacrifices are usually of llamas, occasionally of humans Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Religion Peru South America
1501	Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci sets sail from Lisbon to explore to the south of the New World Go to Vespucci, Amerigo (1454–1512) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Exploration Europe Portugal Society South America
1507	The editor of a pamphlet proposes that the recently found continent should be named America after the explorer Amerigo Vespucci Go to Vespucci, Amerigo (1454–1512) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Exploration Society North America
1513	Vasco Núñez de Balboa reaches the Pacific coast and claims the ocean for the king of Spain Go to Balboa, Vasco Núñez de (1475–1519) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization Exploration European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Central America Mexico
1515	The Spanish complete the conquest of Cuba and establish the town of Havana Go to Havana (Cuba, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Caribbean Cuba
1519	The Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes lands on the coast of Mexico with 600 men, 16 horses and about 20 guns Go to Cortés, Hernando (1485–1547) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico Montezuma welcomes Hernan Cortes to his capital, Tenochtitlan, under the impression that he is the returning god-king Quetzalcoatl Go to Tenochtitlán, Mexico in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Spanish empire Empires Central America Mexico Cortes and his tiny force capture Montezuma, ruler of the mighty Aztec empire, in his palace at Tenochtitlan Go to Cortés, Hernán (1485–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico
1520	Cortes loses control of Tenochtitlan and has to escape in haste with his men during 'the Sorrowful Night' Go to Cortés, Hernán (1485–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico
1521	After a little more than a year Cortes recaptures Tenochtitlan and finally establishes Spanish control over Mexico Go to Cortés, Hernán (1485–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico
1525	The Inca emperor, Huayna Capac, dies in an epidemic of a western disease, smallpox Go to smallpox in Concise Medical Dictionary (8 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Dynasties and royalty Peru South America Ruling respectively from Cuzco and Quito, Huáscar and Atahualpa compete for the empire of their father, Huayna Capac Go to Atahualpa (1533) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Dynasties and royalty Peru South America The conquistadors, settling on land granted to them after the conquest, begin the long process of European emigration to America Go to conquistadores in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico
1530	Francisco Pizarro sails from Panama to attempt the conquest of Peru Go to Pizarro, Francisco (c. 1478–1541) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Peru South America Atahualpa defeats and kills his half-brother Huáscar, thus winning control of the entire Inca empire Go to Atahualpa (1533) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Dynasties and royalty Peru South America
1531	The Aztec Virgin of Guadalupe appears to an Indian near Mexico City and tells him she is 'one of his kind' Go to Virgin of Guadalupe in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity Central America Mexico Francisco Pizarro leads 168 men, with about 30 horses, into the territory of the Inca empire Go to Pizarro, Francisco (1471–1541) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America
1532	Pizarro and his tiny force ambush and massacre the Inca court in Cajamarca, capturing Atahualpa himself alive Go to Pizarro, Francisco (1471–1541) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America Atahualpa agrees to buy his freedom from the Spaniards with a room full of gold and another of silver Go to Atahualpa (1533) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America
1533	Although the ransom has been paid, Atahualpa is executed by the Spaniards — who ensure that he dies a Christian Go to Atahualpa (1533) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America The Spanish conquistadors capture and sack the Inca capital of Cuzco, high in the Andes Go to Cuzco in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America
1536	Manco Inca begins a siege of the Spaniards in Cuzco that lasts for a year Go to Cuzco in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America
1537	With the end of the siege of Cuzco, and the flight of Manco Inca, the Spanish have full control of Peru Go to Peru (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America
1542	New Laws are passed in Spain, in an attempt to protect the Indians on the encomiendas of Spanish America Go to encomiendas in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America South America
1545	Rich seams of silver are discovered at Potosi, in modern Bolivia Go to Potosí in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America
1548	La Paz is founded on the trade route between Lima and the newly discovered silver mines at Potosi Go to La Paz (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Philippines, Uruguay, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Society Empires South America
1549	Brazil becomes a Portuguese royal province, under the control of a governor general Go to Brazil (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Portuguese empire Empires Brazil South America The first Portuguese governor general of Brazil selects Bahia (now Salvador) as his capital Go to Bahia (Brazil) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Europe Empires Brazil South America
c. 1550	Africans, bought in the Portuguese trading posts of west Africa, are shipped across the Atlantic as slaves Go to slave trade, African in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Slavery European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires Spanish galleons assemble each year at Portobelo to deliver European goods and to ship home the metals of Latin America Go to Portobelo (Panama) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Central America Mexico
c. 1570	Privateers frequent the Spanish main to plunder the richly laden caravels on their way home to Europe Go to privateers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Commerce and industry Society Central America
1571	The Philippines and its governor general are placed under the authority of the Spanish governor of New Spain, ruling from Mexico City Go to Philippines in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Spanish empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Empires Mexico
1579	Francis Drake seizes a Spanish vessel laden with gold and silver in the Pacific, formerly a safe area for Spain Go to Drake, Sir Francis in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires South America
1609	Castaways from an English vessel reach Bermuda, which becomes the first British island in the new world Go to Bermuda in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Caribbean
1627	A British colony is founded in Barbados and within fifteen years has 18,000 settlers Go to Barbados (West Indies) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Caribbean
c. 1630	Rival Dutch, English and French colonies are established in Guiana, the northeast coast of south America Go to Guiana in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Dutch empire European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires South America
1655	The British, settling in Jamaica, soon turn the island into the major slave market of the West Indies Go to Jamaica (and Cuba, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Slavery British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Caribbean
1667	In the treaty of Breda, England keeps New Amsterdam and New Netherland, and Holland keeps the English-held territory of Surinam Go to Anglo‐Dutch Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires South America North America United States
1680	The Pueblo Indians of New Mexico rise against the Spanish, killing 21 missionaries and some 400 colonists Go to Pueblo Revolt in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Protest and rebellion American Indians North America United States
1690	John Strong, landing on some remote Atlantic islands, names them after Viscount Falkland, treasurer of the British navy Go to Falkland Islands in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Falkland Islands Europe Empires South America
1693	Gold is found in Brazil, launching the first great American gold rush Go to Brazil (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Commerce and industry Society Brazil South America
1697	In the Treaty of Rijswijk, Spain cedes the western half of Hispaniola to France, which names its new colony Saint-Domingue Go to Haiti in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Spanish empire Europe Empires Caribbean
1698	Scotland makes a disastrous attempt to establish a colony in Darien, on the isthmus of Panama Go to Darien venture in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Central America
1740	Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador become the Spanish viceroyalty of New Granada, with Bogota as the capital Go to New Granada in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America
1746	An earthquake destroys much of Lima, and an ensuing tidal wave engulfs its port at Callao Go to Lima in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Social and domestic Society Peru South America
1759	The Portuguese expel the Jesuits from Brazil, beginning a widespread reaction against the order in Catholic Europe Go to Jesuits in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe Portugal Brazil South America
1761	John Harrison's fourth chronometer is only five seconds out at the end of a test journey from England to Jamaica Go to Harrison, John (1693–1776) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Caribbean
1763	The capital of the Portuguese colony of Brazil is moved from Bahia to Rio de Janeiro Go to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Portuguese empire Empires Brazil South America
1764	A French expedition from St Malo, founding a colony on East Falkland, name the islands Les îsles Malouines Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 French empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires South America
c. 1770	The triangular trade, controlled from Liverpool, ships millions of Africans across the Atlantic as slaves Go to slave trade, African in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Migration Slavery Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires Britain North America
1774	The Spanish, now in sole occupation of the Falkland Islands, call them Las Islas Malvinas Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires South America
1776	Spanish America is now administered as four viceroyalties - New Spain, New Granada, New Peru and La Plata Go to Spanish America in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Buenos Aires rather than Asunción is chosen to be capital of the new Spanish viceroyalty of La Plata Go to Buenos Aires (Argentina) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Argentina South America
1778	The British adopt a new policy in the south, landing in Georgia and capturing much of South Carolina Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions South America North America United States
1780	An Indian uprising in Spanish Peru is led by a descendant of the Incas, Tupac Amaru II Go to Inca noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Incas Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Peru South America
1788	Tiradentes (the 'puller of teeth') leads the first rebellion against Portuguese rule in Brazil Go to Brazil (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Protest and rebellion Portuguese empire Empires Brazil South America
1792	The Brazilian rebel Tiradentes is beheaded in public in Rio de Janeiro as a warning to would-be revolutionaries Go to Brazil in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Protest and rebellion Portuguese empire Empires Brazil South America
1793	Toussaint L'Ouverture, a former slave, joins a Spanish force invading the French colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) Go to Toussaint L'Ouverture, Pierre Dominique (c. 1743–1803) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Protest and rebellion French empire Empires Caribbean
1800	Toussaint L'Ouverture emerges as the leader of Saint-Domingue, ruling without French colonial control Go to Toussaint L'Ouverture in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Caribbean
1801	Toussaint L'Ouverture invades the neighbouring Spanish colony of Santo Domingo, and becomes ruler of the whole island of Hispaniola Go to Hispaniola in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Caribbean A powerful French force arrives in Saint-Domingue and recovers control of the colony, offering generous terms to the native leaders Go to Toussaint L'Ouverture, Pierre Dominique (c. 1743–1803) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Caribbean
1802	Toussaint L'Ouverture is treacherously arrested and sent to France, where he dies in prison Go to Toussaint L'Ouverture, Pierre Dominique (c. 1743–1803) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion French empire Empires Caribbean
1804	The independence of Haiti from France is proclaimed by a new native ruler calling himself the emperor Jacques I Go to Dessalines, Jean Jacques (1758–1806) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion French empire Empires Caribbean
1806	The Creole militia of Buenos Aires drive out an English force which has captured the city Go to Beresford, Gen William Carr (1764–1854) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Brazil South America
1807	The Portuguese royal family flees to Brazil on the approach of a French army led by Jean-Andoche Junot Go to John VI (1769–1826) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe Portugal Wars and Revolutions Brazil South America
1808	The Portuguese royal family and their entourage arrive in Rio de Janeiro Go to John VI (1769–1826) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty South America
1809	With acts of defiance in Sucre, Bolivia becomes the first American province to rebel against the Spanish authorities Go to Bolivia in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America
1810	Simón Bolívar, a young officer in Caracas, takes part in a coup which wins control of Venezuela from the Spanish Go to Bolívar, Simón in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America After a public meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentinians set up an autonomous local government in opposition to Spanish forces Go to Spanish–South American Wars of Independence (1810–25) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Argentina Brazil South America José Gervasio Artigas lays siege to the Spanish forces in Montevideo, beginning Uruguay's long struggle for independence Go to Artigas, José Gervasio (1764–1850) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America The citizens of Bogotá expel the local Spanish officials and declare their loyalty to the deposed Ferdinand VII Go to Ferdinand VII (1784–1833) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America The parish priest of Dolores sparks a rebellion against the Spanish authorities in Mexico with his Grito de Dolores Go to Hidalgo y Costilla, Miguel (1753–1811) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico Chile begins four years of untroubled independence, ruled by a junta introducing liberal reforms Go to Chile in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire China Europe Empires Chile South America
1811	The citizens of Bogotá declare the independence of the province of Colombia See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America The colonists of Paraguay throw out their Spanish governor and declare independence Go to Paraguay in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America
1812	The Spanish authorities recover control of Venezuela, ending the region's first brief spell of independence Go to Spanish–South American Wars of Independence (1810–25) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America
1813	Simon Bolívar publishes the Manisfesto de Cartagena, calling on the citizens of New Granada to unite and expel the Spaniards Go to Bolívar, Simón in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America Bolívar defeats the Spanish forces in Venezuela and is welcomed in Caracas as the Liberator Go to Bolívar, Simón in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America Rebels meeting for a conference in Chilpancingo proclaim a short-lived Mexican independence Go to Spanish–South American Wars of Independence (1810–25) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico
1814	José San Martín becomes commander of the patriot army of Argentina, replacing Manuel Belgrano Go to San Martín, José de (1778–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Argentina South America Francia becomes dictator of Paraguay and for the next 26 years seals his nation off from the rest of the world Go to Francia, José Gaspar Rodriguez de (1776–1840) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Spanish empire Empires South America The Spanish recapture Caracas, after which Bolívar moves southwest to advance on Bogotá, now held again by the Spanish Go to Bolívar, Simón in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America Spanish forces at Rancagua defeat a Chilean army commanded by Bernardo O'Higgins, who escapes across the Andes into Argentina Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo (1778–1842) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire China Europe Empires Chile South America Bolívar recaptures Bogotá from the recently returned Spanish troops Go to Bolívar, Simón in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America
1815	Brazil is given equal standing with Portugal, forming together the Kingdom of Portugal and Brazil Go to Brazil (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Portuguese empire Empires Brazil South America The Spanish suppress the independence movement in Mexico with the capture and execution of its leader, Jose Maria Morelos Go to Morelos y Pavón, José María (1765–1815) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico The Spanish recover Bogotá yet again and Bolívar flees into exile in Jamaica Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Caribbean South America
1816	The independence of Argentina is formally proclaimed, dropping any pretence of remaining loyal to the Spanish king Go to Spanish–South American Wars of Independence (1810–25) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Argentina South America
1817	San Martín and O'Higgins lead an army through the Andes into Chile and capture Santiago Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire China Europe Empires Chile South America O'Higgins is elected the 'supreme director' of independent Chile after San Martín declines the post Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo (1778–1842) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire China Europe Empires Chile South America Bolívar returns to Venezuela and builds up an army of liberation in a remote region up the Orinoco Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America Bernardo O'Higgins introduces liberal reforms in Chile, reducing the privileges of aristocracy and church Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 China Europe Empires Chile South America
1818	Thomas Cochrane arrives in Valparaiso to take command of the Chilean navy Go to Cochrane, Thomas, 10th earl of Dundonald (1775–1860) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 China Europe Empires Chile South America
1819	Bolívar marches his army across the Andes, captures Bogotá and proclaims the republic of Gran Colombia Go to Colombia in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America
1820	The newly independent republic of Argentina takes possession of Las Islas Malvinas (the Falklands) Go to Falkland Islands in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Argentina South America
1821	The 22-year-old Portuguese prince, Dom Pedro, is made regent of Brazil Go to Pedro I (1798–1834) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Portuguese empire Empires Brazil South America San Martín enters Lima and proclaims Peruvian independence with himself as 'Protector' Go to San Martín, José de (1778–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America Bolívar defeats the Spanish at Carabobo and liberates, for the second time, his native city of Caracas Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America A reactionary movement led by Agustín de Iturbide wins new and lasting independence for Mexico Go to Iturbide, Agustín de (1783–1824) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico
1822	After defeating the Spanish at Pichincha, Antonio José de Sucre enters Quito and liberates Ecuador Go to Sucre, Antonio José de (1795–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America Agustin de Iturbide declares himself emperor of the new nation of Mexico, as Agustin I Go to Iturbide, Agustín de (1783–1824) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico The two liberators, Bolívar and San Martín, meet in Guayaquil for a conference Go to Guayaquil (Ecuador) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires South America After failing to agree with Bolívar at Guayaquil, San Martín resigns his post as Protector of Peru Go to San Martín, José de (1778–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America The Portuguese regent, Dom Pedro, proclaims the independence of Brazil and three months later is crowned emperor, as Pedro I Go to Pedro I (1798–1834) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Portuguese empire Empires Brazil South America
1823	Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's first liberal reformer, is so unpopular that he has to resign Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo (1778–1842) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 China Europe Empires Chile South America Guatemala declares independence following the example of neighbouring Mexico Go to Guatemala in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Central America Mexico Bolívar arrives in Lima to be granted command of the army and dictatorial powers in the republic of Peru Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America
1824	After the surrender of the Spanish army to Antonio José de Sucre at Ayacucho, Peru is finally liberated Go to Sucre, Antonio José de (1795–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America
1825	With a victory at Tumusla Antonio José de Sucre liberates Upper Peru (the future Bolivia), the last Spanish stronghold in continental America Go to Sucre, Antonio José de (1795–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Peru South America Juan Antonio Lavalleja leads a band of Thirty-three Immortals in Uruguay's fight for independence from Brazil Go to Lavalleja (Uruguay) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Brazil South America Upper Peru declares independence as the republic of Bolivia, in honour of Simón Bolívar Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Empires Peru South America
1826	Pedro I, emperor of Brazil, inherits the throne of Portugal (as Pedro IV) but continues to rule from Brazil Go to Pedro I (1798–1834) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Portugal Brazil South America Bolívar attempts to create a pan-American gathering in the Congress of Panama Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Central America
1827	Lavalleja defeats a Brazilian army at Ituzaingó, in the decisive battle for Uruguayan independence Go to Lavalleja (Uruguay) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Brazil South America
1828	Conservative 'bigwigs' and liberal 'novices' emerge as Chile's two main political parties Go to Chile in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent China Chile South America The independence of Uruguay is agreed in the Treaty of Montevideo between Brazil and Argentina Go to Uruguay in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Brazil South America
1830	Bolívar resigns as president of Gran Colombia shortly before dying of tuberculosis Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics South America Sucre is assassinated on his journey home to Quito from a congress in Bogotá Go to Sucre, Antonio José de (1795–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Terrorism and assassination South America Diego Portales begins a 30-year spell as Chile's conservative dictator Go to Chile in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics China Chile South America Panama becomes part of the newly independent republic of Colombia Go to Panama (and Sri Lanka, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics South America
1831	Pedro I abdicates in Brazil and returns to Europe to recover his Portuguese throne (as Pedro IV) Go to Pedro I (1798–1834) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Brazil South America
1833	Britain ejects the Argentinians from the Falklands and begins the process of settlement with British farmers Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Falkland Islands Europe Empires South America Antonio López de Santa Anna begins the first of five spells as president of Mexico Go to Santa Anna, Antonio López de (1794–1876) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Central America Mexico
1835	Juan Manuel de Rosas becomes dictator of Argentina and imposes a brutally repressive conservative regime Go to Rosas, Juan Manuel de (1793–1877) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Argentina South America
1836	Sam Houston destroys a Mexican army near the San Jacinto river, completing the seizure of Texas from Mexico Go to Houston (Canada, Guyana, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Mexico North America United States
1838	The Central American Federation splits into Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica Go to Central America in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Central America Civil war breaks out in Uruguay between the Reds and the Whites, followers respectively of Rivera and Oribe Go to Rosas, Juan Manuel de (1793–1877) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War South America
1840	The 14-year-old Dom Pedro, son of Pedro I, becomes emperor of Brazil as Pedro II Go to Pedro II (1825–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Brazil
1843	William Hickling Prescott brings the Conquistadors dramatically to life in his 3-volume History of the Conquest of Mexico Go to Prescott, William Hickling (1796–1859) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Mexico North America United States
1844	The other half of Hispaniola joins Haiti in declaring independence, as the Dominican Republic Go to Dominican Republic in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Empires Caribbean
1846	President Polk sends a US army into Texas, provoking the Mexican-American War Go to Mexican–American War (1846–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Central America Mexico North America United States
1847	William Hickling Prescott follows his great work on Mexico with a 2-volume History of the Conquest of Peru Go to Prescott, William Hickling (1796–1859) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Mexico Peru North America United States
1848	A treaty signed in Guadalupe-Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War, gives the US six new states Go to Mexican–American War (1846–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War Central America Mexico North America United States
1850	Brazil, historically the world's second largest importer of slaves from Africa, finally bans the slave trade Go to slave trade, abolition of in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society Brazil South America
1852	US entrepreneur Cornelius Vanderbilt conveys passengers across the American continent through Nicaragua by steamship and horse and carriage Go to Vanderbilt, Cornelius in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Steam Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society Central America In an Argentinian civil war, Urquiza defeats the dictator Rosas and is subsequently elected president (in 1854) Go to Rosas, Juan Manuel de (1793–1877) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War Argentina South America
1855	Jamaican-born nurse Mary Seacole sets up her own 'British Hotel' in the Crimea to provide food and nursing for soldiers in need Go to Black British literature in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Crimean War Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Science Medicine War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain Caribbean The Panama Railroad company completes a line between the Atlantic and the Pacific, providing America's first transcontinental link Go to Panama Canal in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society Central America Liberal leaders Juan Alvarez and Ignacio Comonfort launch a political programme in Mexico that becomes know simply as 'the Reform' Go to Reforma, La in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Central America Mexico
1856	An American adventurer, William Walker, wins control of the government in Nicaragua and for a year rules as president Go to Walker, William in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Central America
1858	Conservatives seize Mexico City at the start of a civil war against the Liberal government Go to Mexico City in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War Central America Mexico
1860	US adventurer William Walker, thrown out of Nicaragua in 1857, is executed in Honduras Go to Walker, William in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Central America
1861	The Liberals recover Mexico City and elect Benito Juarez as president Go to Juárez, Benito Pablo (1806–72) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent Central America Mexico Benito Juarez, president of a bankrupt Mexico, suspends interest payment on the nation's foreign debt Go to Juárez, Benito Pablo (1806–72) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Central America Mexico At Pavón the provincial troops of Buenos Aires defeat the Argentinian national army, emphatically demonstrating the power of their city Go to Buenos Aires in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Argentina Brazil South America
1862	A joint French, Spanish and British force lands in Mexico and captures Veracruz, ostensibly to collect the interest on European debts Go to Mexican expedition, French (1861–7) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Central America Mexico
1863	The French capture Mexico City and President Juarez flees to the north Go to Juárez, Benito Pablo (1806–72) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Central America Mexico
1864	The French arrange for the coronation of the Austrian archduke Maximilian as emperor of Mexico Go to Maximilian (1832–67) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Central America Mexico
1865	The Paraguayan dictator Francisco Solano López starts a war against Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay which eventually kills more than half his population Go to Paraguayan War (1864–70) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Argentina Brazil South America
1866	The Argentine Rural Society is founded as the exclusive preserve of Argentina's oligarchy Go to Argentina in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Argentina South America Napoleon III withdraws French troops from Mexico, leaving the emperor Maximilian in a dangerous situation Go to Napoleon III (1808–73) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Central America Mexico
1867	Maximilian, the emperor of Mexico, and two of his generals are shot after being surrounded and captured at Querétaro Go to Maximilian (1832–67) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Central America Mexico
1868	An uprising against Spanish rule in Cuba sparks off a Ten Years' War Go to Cuban War of Independence in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United States (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Protest and rebellion War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Caribbean Cuba An armed uprising against Spanish rule takes place in the town of Lares in Puerto Rico, becoming known as the Grito de Lares ('Cry of Lares') Go to Puerto Rico in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Empires Caribbean Mexico
1878	The Ten Years' War ends in Cuba, with Spain promising extensive reforms including the abolition of slavery Go to Cuban War of Independence in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United States (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Slavery War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Caribbean Cuba
1879	A congress in Paris, with Ferdinand de Lesseps as president, decides to construct a canal from coast to coast in Panama Go to Panama Canal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Canals Technology Engineering Europe France Society Central America
1880	Buenos Aires is finally accepted as the permanent capital city of Argentina Go to Buenos Aires (Argentina) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Argentina Brazil South America
1882	Ulises Heureaux becomes dictator of the Dominican Republic and retains power until assassinated in 1899 Go to Dominican Republic in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Caribbean
1884	The War of the Pacific brings Chile new mineral wealth at the expense of Bolivia and Peru Go to War of the Pacific in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War China Chile Peru South America Costa Rica grants a 99-year lease on 800,000 acres to Minor C. Keith, the American founder of the United Fruit Company Go to United Fruit Company in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Society Central America
1888	The emperor Pedro II frees all the remaining slaves in Brazil without compensating their owners Go to Pedro II (1812–91) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Society Brazil South America
1889	The French Panama Canal company goes into liquidation with work still in progress Go to Panama Canal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Canals Commerce and industry Society Central America The first conference of American nations, in Washington, D.C., launches the Commercial Bureau of the American Republics (later called the Pan-American Union) Go to Pan American Union. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Commerce and industry Society Central America South America North America United States A coup removes emperor Pedro II from his throne in Brazil, putting in his place a military dictatorship Go to Pedro II (1812–91) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Brazil South America
1891	Civil war breaks out in Chile between supporters of a liberal president and a hostile congress Go to Balmaceda, José Manuel (1840–91) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War China Chile South America
1894	Brazil's first civilian president, Prudente de Morais, is peacefully elected, setting the pattern for the next four decades Go to Presidente Prudente (São Paulo/Brazil) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Brazil South America
1897	The Spanish governor in Cuba is recalled to Spain, for pioneering the concept of the concentration camp Go to concentration camp in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Caribbean Cuba
1898	The US battleship Maine is blown up in Havana harbour, sparking off the Spanish-American War Go to Spanish–American War (1898) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Caribbean Cuba Theodore Roosevelt fights against the Spanish in Cuba with a volunteer regiment of cavalry, the Rough Riders Go to Rough Riders in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Caribbean Cuba In the Treaty of Paris, ending the Spanish-American War, Spain cedes Puerto Rico and Cuba to the USA Go to Paris, Treaty of (1898) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire US presidents Europe Spain Empires Rulers and politicians Caribbean Cuba North America United States
1899	The War of a Thousand Days begins in Colombia, causing eventually 100,000 deaths Go to Colombia in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War South America
1900	Puerto Ricans are granted limited democracy in a bill of rights introduced after two years of US military occupation Go to Puerto Rico in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Caribbean Rubber brings prosperity to Manaus, thousands of miles up the Amazon Go to rubber tree in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Commerce and industry Society South America
1902	Venezuela defaults on European interest payments and is soon threatened by British, German and Italian warships Go to Drago doctrine in A Dictionary of Law (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Commerce and industry War Society South America Cuba becomes independent after three years of US military rule, with certain restrictions imposed by the Platt Amendment of 1901 Go to Platt Amendment in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Caribbean Cuba
1903	Cuba is forced to accept a permanent US military presence in Guantanamo Bay Go to Guantanamo Bay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Rulers and politicians Caribbean Cuba North America United States José Batlle is elected president of Uruguay and proves to be a visionary politician Go to Batlle y Ordóñez, José (21 May 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics South America A US warship appears off the coast of Panama in support of rebels declaring an independent republic Go to Panama in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Central America North America United States The Colombian government rejects the Hay-Herrán treaty with the US on the Panama canal, thus prompting the break-away of Panama Go to Hay Treaties (1901) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Society Central America North America United States The USA is granted exclusive control in perpetuity of a ten-mile corridor across Panama, suitable for a canal Go to Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s Canals 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry US presidents Society Rulers and politicians Central America North America United States
1904	Joseph Conrad publishes his novel Nostromo, about a revolution in South America and a fatal horde of silver Go to Nostromo in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain South America The US consul in Mexico, Edward Herbert Thompson, begins a very profitable excavation at the Mayan site of Chichén Itzá Go to Chichén Itzá in The Oxford Companion to Archaeology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Central America Mexico
1906	The Great Valparaiso Earthquake damages much of central Chile and is felt from Peru to Buenos Aires Go to Valparaíso in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic China Society Brazil Central America Chile Peru South America
1908	Augusto Leguía begins a long spell as the strong man of Peruvian politics Go to Leguía, Augusto Bernardino (1863–1932) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Peru South America Coffee replaces sugar as Brazil's main crop, accounting for more than 50% of exports in 1908 Go to cash crop in A Dictionary of Business and Management (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Commerce and industry Society Brazil South America
1909	President Taft sends marines to Nicaragua after the government there executes two US citizens Go to Taft, William Howard (15 Sept. 1857) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Central America North America United States
1910	A revolution begins in Mexico that will last ten years before being resolved Go to Mexican Revolution (1910–40) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Central America Mexico
c. 1911	The lost Inca city of Machu Picchu is reached by US archaeologist Hiram Bingham Go to Bingham, Hiram (1875–1956) in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Exploration Society Peru South America President Taft sends US marines to Honduras to protect American banana interests during a spell of political turmoil Go to Honduras in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Rulers and politicians Central America Emiliano Zapata leads peasant groups in the Mexican revolution, under the slogan 'Land and Liberty' Go to Zapata, Emiliano (8 Aug. 1879) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Central America Mexico
1912	President Taft sends US marines to Cuba because of political unrest in the island Go to Cuba in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Caribbean Cuba North America United States Electoral reform is introduced in Argentina, with universal male suffrage and a secret ballot Go to Argentina in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Argentina South America President Taft sends US marines into Nicaragua during a period of disorder Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Rulers and politicians Central America
1913	An underground railway opens in Buenos Aires, the first subway in Latin America Go to Buenos Aires in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society Argentina Brazil South America
1914	The Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral makes her name with her first collection, Sonetos de la muerte Go to Mistral, Gabriela (1889–1957) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Poetry China Chile South America Royal-Dutch Shell begins to pump oil in Venezuela, launching the country as a major oil producer Go to Venezuela in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Society South America The Panama Canal opens to shipping on a neutral basis just two weeks after the start of World War I Go to Panama Canal in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society Central America November 1 - Maximilian von Spee sinks two British cruisers off Coronel, on the Pacific coast of south America Go to Coronel, battle of (1914) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Wars since 1900 South America December 7 - Maximilian von Spee's squadron of cruisers is sunk by the British off the Falkland Islands Go to Falklands, battle of the (1914) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Falkland Islands Wars since 1900 South America
1915	Woodrow Wilson sends US marines to take control in Haiti after a spate of political assassinations Go to Wilson, Woodrow (1856–1924) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Rulers and politicians Caribbean
1916	Haiti becomes a US protectorate, under the terms of a treaty signed in the previous year Go to Haiti in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Caribbean North America United States The election of Hipolito Irigoyen as president begins sixteen years of radical government in Argentina Go to Irigoyen, Hipólito (1850–1933) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Argentina South America Woodrow Wilson sends the marines to maintain order when the Dominican Republic slips towards civil war Go to Dominican Republic in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Caribbean After an 800-mile journey in an open boat Ernest Shackleton returns to rescue his stranded colleagues in the South Shetlands Go to Shackleton, Sir Ernest Henry (1874–1922) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Exploration Society South America
1917	The Jones Act gives Puerto Ricans US citizenship and a popularly elected Senate and House of Representatives Go to Jones Act in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United States (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Caribbean North America United States
1920	A Chilean poet, Ricardo Reyes, adopts the pen name Pablo Neruda Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century China Chile South America Ten years of violent revolution in Mexico are brought to and end in a successful coup by Alvaro Obregón Go to Obregón, Alvaro (1880–1928) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Central America Mexico
1922	Diego Rivera, returning from his study of Italian frescoes, begins the first of his influential murals depicting Mexican history Go to Rivera, Diego (1886–1957) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Arts Painting American painting Central America Mexico
1923	Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges publishes his first collection of poems, Fervor de Buenos Aires ('Fervour of Buenos Aires') Go to Borges, Jorge Luis (1899–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature American literature Poetry Argentina Brazil South America
1924	20-year-old Chilean poet Pablo Neruda publishes one of his best-known collections, Twenty Love Poems Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature American literature Poetry China Chile South America
1927	Mysterious German author B. Traven writes a novel, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, about three Americans searching for a lost gold mine in Mexico Go to Traven, B. in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature American literature Fiction Central America Mexico
1928	Alvaro Obregón, the leading figure in Mexico's anti-clerical revolution, is shot by a Roman Catholic assassin Go to Obregón, Alvaro (1880–1928) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Central America Mexico
1929	Plutarco Calles establishes the National Revolutionary Party that will hold power in Mexico, under different names, for the rest of the century Go to PRI in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Central America Mexico
1930	A military coup removes Hipolito Irigoyen from the presidency in Argentina Go to Irigoyen, Hipólito (1850–1933) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Argentina South America Getúlio Vargas begins a 24-year personal rule in Brazil Go to Vargas, Getúlio Dornelles (1883–1954) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Brazil South America Rafael Trujillo establishes a dictatorship in the Dominican Republic that will last for 30 years Go to Trujillo, Rafael Leónidas (24 Oct. 1891) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Caribbean Heitor Villa-Lobos composes the first of his Bachianas Brasileiras Go to Villa-Lobos, Heitor (1887–1959) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music South America The steel-band tradition begins to develop in Trinidad, with adapted metal objects taking the place of traditional skin drums Go to steel band in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music Caribbean The Rastafarian cult evolves in Jamaica, viewing Ras Tafari, the emperor of Ethiopia, as the black Messiah Go to Rastafarianism in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Religion Caribbean
1932	US poet Archibald MacLeish publishes a narrative epic, Conquistador, about the conquest of Mexico Go to MacLeish, Archibald (1892–1982) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Literature English literature Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Britain Mexico The Chaco War breaks out between Bolivia and Paraguay, in dispute over the swampy plain known as the Gran Chaco Go to Chaco War (1932–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War South America
1933	Pablo Neruda increases his international reputation with a collection of surrealist poems, Residencia en la tierra ('Residence on earth') Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Literature American literature Poetry China Chile South America Fulgencio Batista, as army chief of staff, begins a long career running the affairs of Cuba Go to Batista y Zaldívar, Fulgencio (b. 16 Jan. 1901) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Caribbean Cuba 19-year-old Mexican poet Octavio Paz publishes his first collection, Wild Moon Go to Paz, Octavio (1914–1998) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Literature American literature Poetry Central America Mexico
1934	Anastasio Somoza, commander of the National Guard, organizes a coup in Nicaragua Go to Somoza in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Central America The US military government is finally withdrawn from Haiti after nineteen years Go to Good Neighbor Policy in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Caribbean North America United States
1935	A truce ends armed hostilities in the three-year Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay Go to Chaco War (1932–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War South America Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges publishes A Universal History of Infamy, one of the first examples of magic realism Go to magic realism in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Literature American literature Fiction Argentina South America
1936	US composer Aaron Copland writes El Salón México, using popular Mexican tunes Go to Copland, Aaron (1900–1990) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music Mexico North America United States The Febreristas, a newly formed left-wing group, seize power in Paraguay Go to Paraguay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion South America
1937	Anastasio Somoza makes himself president of Nicaragua, beginning four decades of brutal rule by his family Go to Somoza in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Central America
1938	Mexico, newly rich from oil, nationalizes the holdings of the foreign oil companies Go to Cárdenas, Lázaro (1895–1970) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Society Central America Mexico The peace of Buenos Aires, ending the Chaco War, gives Paraguay most of the region under dispute with Bolivia Go to Chaco War (1932–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Brazil South America
1939	December 13 - the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee is scuttled after a battle with Allied ships near the river Plate Go to Plate, Battle of the River (13 December 1939) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Battles Wars since 1900 Argentina South America
1940	The Conservative Colorados recover power in Paraguay and reimpose military rule Go to Paraguay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics South America An assassin sent by Stalin kills the exiled Trotsky in his home in Mexico City Go to Trotsky, Leon (1879–1940) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism Terrorism and assassination Europe Russia Central America Mexico
1943	Power is seized in Argentina by a new military junta, the Group of United Officers Go to Perón, Juan Domingo (1895–1974) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Argentina South America
1944	Jorge Luis Borges publishes Fictions, a collection of short stories Go to Borges, Jorge Luis (1899–1986) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Literature American literature Fiction Argentina South America An uprising in Guatemala brings in a revolutionary junta and a left-wing programme of reform Go to Arévalo Bermejo, Juan José (10 Sept. 1904) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Central America
1945	Juan Perón, professed friend of the poor in Argentina, is arrested by brother officers Go to Perón, Juan Domingo (8 Oct. 1895) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Argentina South America A mass demonstration by trade unions in Buenos Aires results in the release of Perón Go to Perón, Juan Domingo (8 Oct. 1895) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Argentina Brazil South America
1946	Perón, with the orchestrated support of gangs of thugs, is elected president of Argentina Go to Perón, Juan (b. 8 Oct. 1895) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Argentina South America
1947	Thor Heyerdahl sets sail across the Pacific from Peru in a balsa wood boat, the Kon-Tiki Go to Heyerdahl, Thor (1914–2002) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Exploration Society Peru South America
1948	The British government advertises in Jamaica for people to come and work in Britain Go to Empire Windrush in The Oxford Companion to Black British History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Social and domestic Society Caribbean A nine-year civil war begins in Colombia, bringing eventually some 200,000 deaths Go to Colombia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War South America
1950	The Canadian schooner St Roch becomes the first ship to travel through the Panama Canal and the Northwest Passage, thus circumnavigating North America Go to St Roch in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Travel and transport Society Central America North America Canada The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda publishes his epic account of South America and its people, Canto general Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature American literature Poetry China Chile South America
1951	Jacopo Arbenz, newly elected president of Guatemala, enrages the USA by expropriating the land of the United Fruit Company Go to Arbenz Guzmán, Lt. Col. Jacobo (1913) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Society Central America Syntex, a small chemical company in Mexico City, develops the first oral contraceptive Go to Djerassi, Carl (1923–) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Science Chemistry Central America Mexico The Batllistas, followers in Uruguay of José Batlle, attempt an unusual experiment in the reform of government Go to Uruguay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics South America Argentinian driver Juan Manuel Fangio wins the first of five Grand Prix world championship titles Go to Fangio, Juan Manuel (1911–1995) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Sports and games Society Argentina South America
1952	A left-wing coup brings Paz Estenssoro to power and launches a 12-year revolution in Bolivia Go to Paz Estenssoro, Victor (1907–2001) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 South America Eva Perón dies of cancer and achieves the status of a popular saint in Argentina Go to Perón, Eva (1919–1952) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society Argentina South America
1954	Alfredo Stroessner seizes power in Paraguay, introducing three decades of repressive dictatorship Go to Stroessner, Alfredo (3 Nov. 1912) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics South America An invasion of Guatemala from Honduras, with CIA support, brings to power a right-wing military junta Go to Guatemala in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Cold war Wars since 1900 Central America The country's president, Getúlio Vargas, commits suicide when the army in Brazil demands his resignation Go to Vargas, Getúlio Dornelles (1883–1954) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Brazil South America
1955	A military uprising in Argentina forces Perón to resign and go into exile Go to Perón, Juan Domingo (8 Oct. 1895) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Argentina South America
1956	Anastasio Somoza is assassinated on a visit to Panama, but the dictatorship of Nicaragua remains in his family Go to Somoza (1933–79) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Central America Communist activist Fidel Castro returns from Mexico to Cuba to organize guerrilla warfare against the Batista regime Go to Castro Ruz, Fidel (13 Aug. 1926) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Cold war Wars since 1900 Caribbean Cuba Mexico
1957	Jack Kerouac publishes a largely autobiographical novel, On the Road, describing his experiences travelling through the US and Mexico Go to McCarthy, Mary (1912–) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction Mexico North America United States Barbadian cricketer Gary Sobers, playing in Kingston, Jamaica, against Pakistan, makes a record Test score of 365 not out Go to Sobers, Gary (1936– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Sports and games Society Caribbean A country doctor, François Duvalier, is elected president of Haiti on a massive popular vote Go to Duvalier, François (14 Apr. 1907) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Caribbean Oscar Niemeyer is appointed chief architect for his country's new capital, Brasilia Go to Niemeyer, Oscar (1907– ) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Architecture American architecture Brazil South America
1958	The Venezuelan dictator Marcos Jiménez escapes to the USA with an estimated fortune of $200 million Go to Venezuela in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics South America Dictator Fulgencio Batista flees from Cuba, leaving Havana open to Fidel Castro and his victorious guerrillas Go to Batista y Zaldívar, Fulgencio (1901–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Wars since 1900 Caribbean Cuba
1959	Fidel Castro begins more than four decades of authoritarian rule in Cuba Go to Castro Ruz, Fidel (b. 13 Aug. 1927) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Wars since 1900 Caribbean Cuba West Indian poet and playwright Derek Walcott founds the Trinidad Theatre Workshop Go to Walcott, Derek (1930– ) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Theatre Caribbean
1960	Guatemala is terrorized by government-linked death squads and emergent guerrilla groups Go to Guatemala in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Central America Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, discovered in Buenos Aires, is kidnapped by Israeli agents Go to Eichmann, Adolf (1906–62) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Argentina Brazil South America 20-year-old Spanish tenor Placido Domingo sings his first major role, as Alfredo in La Traviata in the Mexican city of Monterrey Go to Domingo, Placido (1941– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Spain Central America Mexico The Brazilian government moves to Brasilia, into public buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer Go to Brasília in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Architecture American architecture Brazil South America
1961	An invasion force of about 1500 Cuban exiles comes ashore in Cuba's Bay of Pigs in an attempt to topple the Castro regime Go to Bay of Pigs (April 1961) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 Caribbean Cuba Two days after landing in the Bay of Pigs, 114 Cuban exiles are dead and about 1300 have been captured Go to Bay of Pigs (April 1961) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 Caribbean Cuba Caribbean novelist V.S. Naipaul features his Trinidad family in A House for Mr Biswas Go to House for Mr Biswas, A in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Literature Fiction Caribbean Rafael Trujillo, dictator of the Dominican Republic for the past 30 years, is killed by a machine-gun attack on his car Go to Trujillo, Rafael Leónidas (24 Oct. 1891) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Caribbean Largely under the influence of Tito, a summit is held by nations eager to be non-aligned in the Cold War Go to Tito, Josip (b. 25 May 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Cold war Europe Wars since 1900
1962	The veteran left-wing politician Victor Haya is elected president of Peru but is thwarted by a coup led by General Ricardo Godoy Go to Haya de la Torre, Víctor Raúl (22 Feb. 1895) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Peru South America The Sandinistas emerge as a guerrilla group in opposition to the Somoza dictatorship in Nicaragua Go to Sandinista in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Central America US intelligence reveals nuclear missile bases under construction in Cuba, causing an international crisis Go to Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Weapons US presidents Cold war Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Caribbean Cuba North America United States President Kennedy sends the US navy to prevent delivery of Soviet missiles to Cuba Go to Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War US presidents Cold war Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Caribbean Cuba North America United States A deal between President Kennedy and Soviet premier Khrushchev defuses the Cuban missile crisis Go to Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Weapons US presidents Cold war Europe Russia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Caribbean Cuba North America United States Fidel Castro releases, for $53 million in food and medicine, the Cuban exiles taken prisoner in the Bay of Pigs fiasco Go to Bay of Pigs (April 1961) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 Caribbean Cuba
1963	Bob Marley and five others form a band, the Wailers, that will for the first time give Jamaican music a global following Go to Marley Bob in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Music Caribbean The Tupamaros are formed as an urban guerrilla group in Uruguay Go to Tupamaros in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion South America
1964	Senior officers in Brazil seize power, alleging the threat of an imminent communist takeover Go to Brazil in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Brazil South America Papa Doc Duvalier, ruling through the brutal Tontons Macoutes, makes himself president of Haiti for life Go to Duvalier, François (1907–71) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Caribbean A military junta seizes power in Bolivia, ending the 12-year left-wing regime of Paz Estenssoro Go to Bolivia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 South America
1965	The General Assembly of the UN asks Argentina and Britain to enter negotiations on their long-running dispute over the Falklands Go to Falklands War in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles European empires from 1415 British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Britain Argentina South America US marines intervene in civil war in the Dominican Republic to prevent a communist takeover Go to Dominican Republic in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Cold war Wars since 1900 Caribbean North America United States
1966	Joaquin Balaguer, a close associate of Trujillo, is elected president of the Dominican Republic Go to Balaguer, Joaquín (14 July 2002) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Caribbean Che Guevara arrives in Bolivia in the hope of fomenting a left-wing revolution Go to Guevara (de la Serna), Che (1928–1967) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Cold war Wars since 1900 South America
1967	Colombian novelist Gabriel García Márquez publishes a classic of magic realism, One Hundred Years of Solitude Go to García Márquez, Gabriel (1928– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Literature American literature Fiction South America Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara is captured and executed in Bolivia Go to Guevara (de la Serna), Che (1928–1967) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Cold war Wars since 1900 South America
1968	Catholic bishops in Latin America, plagued by oppressive regimes, develop the concept of liberation theology Go to liberation theology in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Religion Christianity Central America South America
1970	Salvador Allende, heading a Socialist and Marxist coalition, is elected president in Chile Go to Allende, Salvador (b. 26 July 1908) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war China Wars since 1900 Chile South America
1971	The 19-year-old Jean Claude Duvalier, succeeding his father as president of Haiti, becomes known as Baby Doc Go to Duvalier, Jean‐Claude (b. 3 July 1951) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Caribbean The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wins the Nobel Prize for Literature Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century China Chile South America
1973	A military coup plunges democratic Uruguay into eleven years of repressive terror Go to Uruguay in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics South America President Salvador Allende appoints Augusto Pinochet commander-in-chief of the Chilean army and brings him into the cabinet Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War Cold war China Wars since 1900 Chile South America The 77-year-old Juan Perón, after returning to Argentina, is once again elected president Go to Perón, Juan (b. 8 Oct. 1895) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Argentina South America Chilean president Salvador Allende dies in the Chilean capital, Santiago, in a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet Go to Allende, Salvador (b. 26 July 1908) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War Cold war China Wars since 1900 Chile South America
1974	Augusto Pinochet takes sole power in Chile, at the head of a junta which governs with extreme brutality Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War Cold war China Wars since 1900 Chile South America Isabel Perón becomes president of Argentina on the death of her husband Juan Perón Go to Perón, Isabel (b. 5 Feb. 1931) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Argentina South America
1975	Surinam wins independence from the Dutch, with Johan Ferrier as the first president Go to Surinam in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires South America Cuban troops, sent by Castro to Angola, clash with South African forces attempting to combat communism Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Africa South Africa Wars since 1900 Cuba
1976	A military coup in Argentina brings to an end the two-year presidency of Juan Perón's widow, Isabelita Go to Argentina in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Argentina South America
1977	A treaty provides for the gradual transfer of the Canal Zone from US to Panamanian control Go to Panama Canal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Central America North America United States
c. 1978	Shining Path and Tupac Amaru emerge as left-wing guerrilla groups in Peru Go to Sendero Luminoso in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Peru South America Sandinista guerrillas make a surprise attack on the National Palace in Nicaragua, taking more than 1000 people hostage Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination Central America
1979	The emergency measures underpinning military rule are repealed in Brazil, and an amnesty restores political rights Go to Brazil in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Brazil South America A Sandinista junta, headed by Daniel Ortega, takes power in Nicaragua – bringing to an end four decades of brutal rule by the Somoza dynasty Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Central America Daniel Ortega leads the Sandinistas to electoral victory in Nicaragua Go to Shaffer, Peter Levin (1926) in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Central America Opponents of the Sandinistas flee from Nicaragua into Honduras, where they become known as the Contras Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Central America
1980	The USA ends all aid to Nicaragua and provides funds to train and equip the Contras in neighbouring Honduras Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Central America North America United States Archbishop Oscar Romero, an exponent of liberation theology, is killed as he celebrates Mass in San Salvador Go to Romero, Oscar Arnulfo (1917–80) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Religion Christianity Central America
1981	Leopoldo Galtieri becomes leader of the military junta ruling Argentina Go to Galtieri, Leopold Fortunato (b. 15 July 1926) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Argentina South America
1982	5000 Argentinian troops land in the Falkland Islands, provoking war with Britain Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century War British empire European empires from 1415 British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Argentina South America Chilean author Isabel Allende publishes her first novel, The House of the Spirits Go to Allende, Isabel (1942– ) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Literature American literature Fiction China Chile South America Congress in Washington passes the Boland Amendment, banning US military aid to the Contras Go to Iran–Contra Affair in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Central America North America United States The Argentinian cruiser General Belgrano is sunk by a British torpedo, with the loss of 368 lives Go to Falklands war (1982) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century War Argentina South America British troops recapture Port Stanley, after which the Argentinian forces in the Falklands surrender Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century War British empire European empires from 1415 British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Argentina South America The leader of the Argentinian junta, Leopoldo Galtieri, resigns three days after the Falklands defeat Go to Galtieri, Leopold Fortunato (b. 15 July 1926) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Argentina South America Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona is sold to Barcelona for a new record fee of about £3 million, almost double the highest previous figure Go to Maradona, Diego (Armando) (1960– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Sports and games Europe Spain Society Argentina South America
1983	A civilian government, voted into power in Argentina, prosecutes members of the military junta for civil rights abuses Go to Argentina in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Argentina South America Manuel Noriega wins control of the National Guard in Panama on his way to achieving absolute power Go to Noriega Morena, Manuel Antonio (b. 1934) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Central America President Reagan sends US marines to Grenada after the execution of the island's prime minister, Maurice Bishop Go to Grenada in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Rulers and politicians Caribbean North America United States
1984	Drugs barons in Colombia murder the Minister of Justice, Rodrigo Lara Bonilla, to protect their trade Go to Colombia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century South America The CIA covertly arranges for mines to be laid in Nicaragua's harbours Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Terrorism and assassination War Cold war Wars since 1900 Central America
1985	Civilian rule is restored in Brazil after Tancredo Neves and Jose Sarney are elected president and vice-president Go to Brazil in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Brazil South America With the return of democracy to Bolivia, the 77-year-old Paz Estenssoro is once again elected president Go to Paz Estenssoro, Victor (b. 2 Oct. 1907) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 South America A dormant volcano erupts in Colombia, burying some 20,000 victims under a deep layer of silt Go to Colombia in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Social and domestic Society South America Oliver North arranges for clandestine money from Iran to provide illegal support for the Nicaraguan Contras Go to Iran–Contra Affair in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Central America North America United States Gabriel García Márquez publishes Love in a Time of Cholera, a novel about love rekindled after five decades Go to García Márquez, Gabriel (1928– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Literature American literature Fiction South America Antiguan author Jamaica Kincaid publishes her first novel, Annie John Go to Kincaid, Jamaica (1949) in The Concise Oxford Companion to African American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Literature Fiction Caribbean
1986	Baby Doc Duvalier escapes from Haiti in a US airforce jet and goes into exile in France Go to Duvalier, Jean‐Claude (b. 3 July 1951) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Caribbean Argentina wins the World Cup quarter final against England with help from Maradona and 'the hand of God' Go to Maradona, Diego (Armando) (1960– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Sports and games Society Argentina South America
1988	Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna wins the first of his three Formula One titles Go to Senna (da Silva), Ayrton (1960–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Sports and games Society Brazil South America Augusto Pinochet, the only candidate in Chile's presidential election, resigns when he wins less than half the votes cast Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (23 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics China Chile South America
1989	Paraguayan dictator Alfredo Stroessner is toppled by Andrés Rodríguez, who restores democracy to the country Go to Paraguay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics South America Carlos Menem is elected president of Argentina and introduces a free market economy Go to Menem, Carlos Saul (2 July 1930) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Argentina South America Uruguay enjoys the first entirely free election since the years of military dictatorship Go to Uruguay in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent South America With the fall of Pinochet, Chile returns eagerly to democracy - electing a Christian Democrat, Patricio Aylwin, as president Go to Chile in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent China Chile South America President Bush sends 24,000 US troops to occupy Panama City and seize Manuel Noriega Go to Noriega Morena, Manuel Antonio (b. 1934) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Rulers and politicians Central America North America United States
1990	Panama's dictator, Manuel Noriega, is captured by US troops and taken to Miami on drug trafficking charges Go to Noriega Morena, Manuel Antonio (b. 1934) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Central America North America United States The Sandinistas lose the Nicaraguan presidential election, with Daniel Ortega beaten into second place by Violeta Chamorro Go to Chamorro, Violeta Barrios de (b. 18 Oct. 1929) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Central America A Catholic priest, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, is elected president of Haiti and begins a programme of reform Go to Aristide, Jean-Bertrand (15 Jul. 1953) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Caribbean Alberto Fujimori and his newly formed Cambio 90 party win a surprise election victory in Peru Go to Fujimori, Alberto Kenya (b. 28 July 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Peru South America West Indian author Derek Walcott publishes Omeros, an epic poem of the Caribbean Go to Walcott, Derek (1930– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Literature Poetry Caribbean
1991	A military coup in Haiti ousts the reforming president Jean-Bertrand Aristide Go to Aristide, Jean-Bertrand (15 Jul. 1953) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Caribbean
1992	Manuel Noriega, ex-president of Panama, is convicted in a US court of drug trafficking Go to Noriega Morena, Manuel Antonio (b. 1934) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Central America North America United States All the Pretty Horses is the first volume of US author Cormac McCarthy's trilogy set in Mexico Go to McCarthy, Cormac (1933) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction Mexico North America United States
1993	Pablo Escobar, leader of the Medellin drugs cartel in Colombia, is cornered and shot Go to Medellín in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century South America
1994	Mayan Indians in Chiapas rebel in an armed uprising against the Mexican government Go to Chiapas Rebellion in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Central America Mexico Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna dies when the steering column of his car shears during the San Marino Grand Prix Go to Senna (da Silva), Ayrton (1960–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Sports and games Europe Society Brazil South America Trinidadian cricketer Brian Lara sets a new world record, scoring 501 not out when playing for Warwickshire against Durham Go to Lara, Brian Charles (1969– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Caribbean The return of Jean-Bertrand Aristide to Haiti, under UN protection, leads to a period of relative calm unusual in the republic Go to Aristide, Jean-Bertrand (15 Jul. 1953) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Caribbean Two leading members of Mexico's ruling party, Luis Donaldo Colosio and José Francisco Ruiz Massieu, are assassinated Go to Ardipithecus ramidus in A Dictionary of Zoology (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Central America Mexico A devaluation of the Mexican peso leads to a sudden collapse in the local stock market Go to Mexico in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Commerce and industry Society Central America Mexico
1995	Britain and Argentina come to an agreement concerning the future exploitation of oil around the Falkland Islands Go to Falkland Islands in A Guide to Countries of the World (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Falkland Islands Europe Britain Argentina South America
1996	The guerrilla groups in Guatemala sign a treaty which provides for them to become a recognized political party Go to Guatemala in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Central America Tupac Amaru guerrillas take 460 guests hostage at the Japanese ambassador's Christmas party in Lima, Peru Go to Tupamaros in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Peru South America
1997	Fifteen years after the Falklands War there are 1700 British troops in the islands, guarding 2200 residents Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century War British empire European empires from 1415 Falkland Islands Europe Empires South America Mexico's ruling party, the PRI, loses control of the lower house for the first time in nearly seventy years Go to Mexico in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Central America Mexico
1998	A sudden collapse of the Brazilian stock market follows the earlier slump in the Asian markets Go to Brazil in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Economic History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Commerce and industry Society Brazil South America Augusto Pinochet, visiting Britain from Chile for medical treatment, is arrested on an extradition request from a Spanish judge Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles China Europe Britain Chile South America
1999	Marxist guerrillas in Colombia, in partnership with drug cartels, control much of the south of the country Go to Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics South America Buena Vista Social Club, a nostalgic documentary by Wim Wenders, triggers a cult for Cuban music Go to Buena Vista Social Club in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Film Germany Cuba Floods and massive mudslides in the Vargas state of Venezuela kill an estimated 25,000 people Go to Venezuela in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Social and domestic Society South America The US relinquishes sovereignty over the canal zone to Panama on the last day of the century, as agreed in the 1977 treaty Go to Panama Canal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Rulers and politicians Central America North America United States
2000	The British Home Secretary, Jack Straw, judges Augusto Pinochet mentally incapable to stand trial and returns him to Chile Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles China Europe Britain Chile South America Alerto Fujimori resigns after a corruption scandal during his third term as president of Peru Go to Fujimori, Alberto Kenya (b. 28 July 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Peru South America Vicente Fox wins the presidential election in Mexico (the first time that an opposition politician has done so since 1911) Go to Fox, Vicente in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Central America Mexico
2001	Five presidents succeed each other within a month in Argentina's economic crisis Go to Argentina in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Commerce and industry Society Argentina South America
2002	The US holds suspected al-Qaeda terrorists indefinitely, and without legal rights, in Guantanamo Bay, an American enclave in Cuba Go to Guantanamo Bay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Caribbean Cuba North America United States
2004	For the second time president Jean-Bertrand Aristide is forced to flee from Haiti, after losing control to opposition rebels Go to Aristide, Jean-Bertrand (15 Jul. 1953) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Caribbean
2005	Former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, after sheltering since 2000 in Japan, arrives unexpectedly in Chile Go to Fujimori, Alberto Kenya (b. 28 July 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Chile Peru South America
2006	The US Supreme Court rules that the military courts set up to try detainees in Guantanamo Bay are illegal Go to House of Representatives in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Caribbean North America United States
2007	The Chilean Supreme Court grants the Peruvian government's request for the extradition of Alberto Fujimori to Peru Go to Fujimori, Alberto Kenya (b. 28 July 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Peru South America Cristina Fernández de Kirchner wins the presidential election in Argentina, becoming the first woman to do so Go to Argentina in A Guide to Countries of the World (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Argentina
2008	After 49 years as president of Cuba, Fidel Castro resigns for reasons of ill health Go to Castro, Fidel (1927– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Caribbean Cuba The National Assembly elects Fidel Castro's brother Raúl to succeed him as president of Cuba Go to Castro, Fidel (1927– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Caribbean Cuba Hurricane Hanna causes more than 500 deaths in Haiti before moving on west to the United States (where it kills 7) Go to hurricane in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Social and domestic Society Caribbean
2009	One of President Obama's first acts in office is to sign an order that the Guantanamo Bay detention camp is to be closed within a year (a promise that fails to be fulfilled) Go to House of Representatives in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Caribbean Cuba North America United States Peru's Supreme Court finds Alberto Fujimori guilty of authorizing death squads and sentences him to 25 years in prison Go to Fujimori, Alberto Kenya (b. 28 July 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Peru South America The World Health Organization declares that "swine flu" (strain H1N1, spreading from Mexico), has reached the status of a pandemic Go to World Health Organization in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Medicine Mexico
2010	Haiti is devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, causing more than 230,000 deaths Go to earthquake in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Caribbean An explosion destroys BP's Deepwater Horizon oil rig, killing eleven people and starting a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico Go to oil spill in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Technology Engineering Central America Mexico BP announces that a newly fitted cap has finally stopped the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico Go to oil spill in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Technology Caribbean Mexico North America United States US Federal estimates are that more than 200 million gallons of oil have spilled into the sea from the Deepwater Horizon disaster (the Exxon Valdez figure was 11 million) Go to Exxon Valdez in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Technology Caribbean North America United States Thirty-three miners are brought safely to the surface after being trapped deep underground for 69 days in the San José mine in Chile Go to Chile in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Social and domestic Technology Society Chile South America

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date: 15 May 2025

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