On This Day in History: November 29th – Historic Explorations in South America
TL;DR: November 29th marks milestones in South American history, from the arrival of Europeans to the founding of major cities. Join us as we delve into these pivotal events and their enduring impact.
1. The Dawn of European Exploration
On November 29, 1519, Fernando Magellan’s expedition set sail from Spain. Their ambitious journey would become the first to circumnavigate the globe. Magellan’s fleet reached South America in 1520, providing Europeans with their first glimpse of this vast continent.
2. The Founding of Buenos Aires
Nearly a century later, on November 29, 1536, Pedro de Mendoza established Buenos Aires, the future capital of Argentina. The city quickly grew into a thriving port, connecting South America to the rest of the world.
3. The Incan Empire
Before the arrival of Europeans, the Incan Empire ruled a vast territory in South America. In 1533, Francisco Pizarro captured the Incan Emperor Atahualpa, marking the beginning of Spanish conquest. Pizarro founded Lima, the future capital of Peru, in 1535.
4. The Jesuits in Paraguay
In the 17th century, the Jesuits established missions in Paraguay, converting thousands of native Guarani people to Catholicism. They created a unique system of self-governing communities, known as the “Jesuit Reductions.”
5. Simón Bolívar and the Liberation of South America
Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan general, led the Spanish American wars of independence from 1810 to 1826. His victories culminated in the liberation of several South American countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
6. The Beagle Expedition
From 1831 to 1836, the HMS Beagle, with Charles Darwin on board, explored the coast of South America. Darwin’s observations and collections during this expedition laid the foundation for his groundbreaking theory of evolution.
7. The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal, built between 1904 and 1914, has had a profound impact on global trade. It connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, reducing shipping distances and costs.
If You Know, You Know…
Why did the European explorers who arrived in South America have a hard time keeping their maps straight?
Answer: Because they were always getting lost in the Amazon!
Summary
November 29th has played a pivotal role in the history of South America. From the arrival of European explorers to the founding of major cities, the struggles for independence, and scientific expeditions, the continent has witnessed countless milestones that have shaped its present-day landscape. These events underscore the intersection of exploration, colonization, and the resilience of native cultures, reminding us of the complex and interconnected nature of human history.