Starting with Christopher Columbus's momentous journey across the Atlantic to the Americas in 1492, this chronology covers the period in world history in which Europeans established their first permanent colonies around the world. It concludes with the Continental Congress extending the so-called Olive Branch Petition to King George III of Great Britain in a final attempt to avert the American Revolution. During this period Europe saw the Protestant Reformation and numerous wars, especially the destructive 30 Years' War of 1618-48, while the Islamic world extended its borders and China made outstanding technological and economic advances.