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Oct 12, 1492
Columbus Discovers Americas
Explorer Christopher Columbus spots Rodrigo de Triana of the Bahamas, introducing the Americas to the modern world. -
Jan 1, 1542
La Relación de Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca
Written by Álvar Núñez, La Relación is the chronicle of his eight years wandering through Florida, Texas, and Mexico, and all of his experiences. Núñez is one of four survivors among the 600-man expedition. -
A Brief and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia
One of the most influential writings of early America, by Thomas Harriot, that helped thousands upon thousands of English readers to have a clear picture of North America. Accompanied with illustrations. -
French and Dutch Explorers
In the early 1600s, the French and Dutch sent explorers like Samuel de Champlain, who is known as the "Father of New France," to explore the uncharted Americas. Champlain wrote vivid accouts of New England and the Iriquois tribes. -
Jamestown
First permenant european colony - Jamestown - was founded in Virginia. -
John Winthrop
John Winthrop, a Puritan settler, wrote in 1630 that "we must consider that we shall be as a City upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us." This shows how Puritans believed they were above all, as chosen by god himself. -
Bay Psalm Book
The Bay Psalm Book was the first book issued in the North American Colonies, as it was bible verses rewritten to fit Puritan hymns. -
The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America
The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America was the first work by a North American woman to be published. -
The Enlightenment
Throughout the 1700s, a burst of intellectual energy led to new ideals and thinkings in Europe, which spread to the Americas. -
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French and Indian War
After France sided with a group of Native Americans to attempt to drive the British out of North America, Britain sent troops to fight for the colonists in what is known as the French and Indian War. -
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The Pamphlets
During this time, political writings began to shape an effort in launching a government in North America. Over two-thousand pamphlets were published and they became the fuel for the revolution. -
English Colonies
By 1773, a little more than 100 years after Jamestown, colonies stretched all along the Atlantic coast. -
Declaration of Independence
Colonies declared themselves "free and independent" from British control. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson draft the Declaration of Independence. -
Drafting of the Constitution
11 years after the Declaration of Independence, delegates from all but one state gathered at the Philadelphia State House - the same room in which the Declaration of Independence had been signed - and four months later, they completed the draft of the Constitution of the United States of America. -
Ratification of the Constitution
The Constitution is ratified by 9/13 vote of the colonies, and becomes supreme law of the land. Thus the United states was born.
