1540s

The 1540s was a decade that started on 1 January 1540 and ended on 31 December 1549. 

It is distinct from the decade known as the 155th decade which began on January 1, 1541 and ended on December 31, 1550.

 Events 
 Hernando de Soto is the first European to see the Mississippi River. 
 Ivan IV of Muscovy becomes the first Tsar of Russia. 
 Edward VI succeeds his father Henry VIII as King of England. 
 Wars between Protestants and Catholics in Europe.
 Japan opens up to Europeans.

 Births 
 El Greco, Greek-born artist 
 Mary, Queen of Scots
 Miguel de Cervantes, Spanish writer 

 Deaths 
 Martin Luther, reformer
 Hernando de Soto, Spanish explorer
 Henry VIII, King of England
 Hernán Cortés, Spanish explorer
 Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, Mexican Catholic saint