1590s facts for kids

The 1590s were an exciting time in history, full of important events across the world. Kings and queens were fighting for power, new lands were being explored, and big changes were happening in different cultures. Let's take a look at some of the most interesting things that happened in the year 1590.

Key Events of 1590

Battles and Sieges

In France, there was a big conflict happening called the French Wars of Religion.

• March 14 – The Battle of Ivry took place. Henry IV of France was a very strong leader. He once again defeated the forces of the Catholic League. These forces were led by the Duc de Mayenne. Henry IV was fighting to become the rightful king of France.

• May–August – After his victory, Henry IV tried to capture Paris. He started a siege, which means he surrounded the city to try and force it to surrender. However, the siege was not successful. A Spanish army, led by the Duke of Parma, came to help Paris. This forced Henry IV to stop his attack.

Royal Happenings

• May 17 – In Scotland, a special event happened. Anne of Denmark was officially crowned as the Queen of Scotland. She was married to James VI of Scotland, who would later become King James I of England.

Mysterious Disappearances

• August 18 – A very famous mystery from this time involves the Roanoke Colony. This was an early English settlement in America. John White was the governor of the colony. He had gone back to England to get more supplies. When he returned to Roanoke, he found the entire settlement deserted. No one knows for sure what happened to the colonists, and it remains a historical puzzle!

Changes in Religious Leadership

• September 15 – In the Vatican, a new leader was chosen for the Catholic Church. Pope Urban VII became the new Pope, taking over from Sixtus V.

• December 5 – Not long after, another change happened. Pope Gregory XIV became the Pope, succeeding Urban VII.

Major Changes in Asia

• Japan was a land of many different powerful families. But in 1590, a very strong leader named Toyotomi Hideyoshi managed to unite all of Japan under his rule. This was a huge step in Japanese history.

• Later, Japan became involved in a conflict known as the Seven-Year War. Japan invaded Korea in 1592 and again in 1597. These wars had a big impact on both countries.

• In China, a very famous story called Journey to the West first appeared around this time. It's a classic tale about a monk and his companions on a long journey, full of adventure and mythical creatures.

See also

In Spanish: Años 1590 para niños