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Jamestown
One of the first (successful) English settlements in the New World was established in 1607 in Virginia. The early settlers arrived in 3 ships and crossed the James river to form Jamestown, named after King James and Queen Elizabeth III, “the virgin queen”. It is important to note that the Powhatan Indians had already been living in Jamestown before the settlers arrived. Most of the English came to Jamestown to look for profit. -
"Starving Time" (Jamestown)
The winter of 1609-1610 was devastating for the colonists in Jamestown. A lot of the colonists died from diseases and starvation. Many common diseases responsible for the deaths of the colonists were smallpox, and typhoid fever. The colonists had so little food, they relied on protein from the colony animals- horses, dogs, cats, even rats, mice, and shoe leather. Some were so desperate, they had resorted to cannibalism. By 1610, only 60 out of the 140 colonists survived the winter. -
First Tobacco Shipment to England
Jamestown was known for its tobacco plantations. John Rolfe was the first to discover tobacco in 1616. A few years later, tobacco would be one of the most common transported crops from Jamestown to England. 15 years after the first shipment, England imports 500,000 lbs of tobacco per year. 40 years later, 15,000,000 lbs of tobacco would be imported. -
House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses was the first representative assembly and first established form of government of the colonists in New England. By the 18th century, all colonies had a bicameral legislature. The governor's role was the head of the colony collected taxes and duties. The assembly’s role was to stay over the money. The governor's council was appointed by the King of England and they acted under the governor. The council was separated into three parts; executive, legislative, and judicial. -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of the Plymouth colony. The Mayflower Compact was written by the pilgrims who were voyaging to the New World to escape religious persecution. When the settlers arrived to the New World, they established the Plymouth colony. -
Maryland Slave Legislature
The Maryland assembly passed a law stating that all enslaved people should be held in slavery for life and that children of enslaved mothers should also be held in slavery for life. If a slave woman was raped by a slave owner, that child would also be a slave. -
King Philip's War
Metacom (King Philip) declares war on the Wampanoag Tribe. Even After the Wampanoag Tribe had taught the pilgrims how to hunt/survive, the pilgrims wanted to take their land. As a result of this war, thousands of indians died or were sold as slaves/indentured servants, and Plymouth starves. The pilgrims were upset with King Philip and beheaded him. King Philip’s war would soon prove that the pilgrims did not need help from Great Britain. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon’s Rebellion revolved around conflict between Sir William Berkely (Royal Governor of Virginia) and Nathaniel Bacon (largest landowner in Virginia). Bacon wanted to get more native land, but Berkeley refused. Therefore, Bacon organized a militia to attack the natives. Even after Bacon wins the assembly votes, Berkely ridicules and makes fun of him. Bacon then burns Jamestown to the ground and dies of flux disease. -
Interracial Marriage Law
In 1691, The Virginia House of Burgesses passed a law that prohibited black people and white people from marrying. The Law was then followed by Maryland in 1692. -
Salem Witch Trails
Abigail Williams and Betty Parris started to accuse people of witchcraft. Most people were forced to confess to witchcraft and as a result, they were burned to death. By October 1692, 140 colonists were indicted, 50 colonists had confessed, 26 colonists were convicted, and 20 colonists were executed for witchcraft. In 1697, the first public apology was addressed, and by 1711, compensation was paid.