A smallpox epidemic decimates the Indian population in New England. Cardinal Richelieu becomes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in France. The Catholic church issues an edict against Copernicanism. 1616 William Baffin searches for the Northwest Passage and discovers Baffin Bay. The Treaty of Stolbovo ends the war between Russia and Sweden.
Tobacco is established as the major industry in North America.
1618 Conflict between Catholic and Protestant states begins the Thirty Years' War. James I orders the execution of Sir Walter Raleigh. Dutch ships bring the first Negro slaves to the colony of Virginia. Ferdinand II is elected Holy Roman Emperor and king of Bohemia. Inigo Jones designs the Banqueting House at Whitehall, London.