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Columbus lands in the Bahamas, believing it is the Indies. Instead, he discovers the Americas, which created the interest for land and riches, starting the exploration of North America.
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As European explorers start inhabiting the Americas, they bring their diseases with them, killing vast numbers of the Native population.
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Martin Luther openly criticized the Catholic Church, calling for a return to a purer Church. Created religious group of "Protestants."
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Tobacco is introduced to Europe, creating a large demand for the plant, paving the way for later tobacco trade.
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A group of 150 French Protestants landed near present-day South Carolina. Attempts failed.
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English found Jamestown, which becomes the first permanent English settlement in North America.
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Samuel de Champlain founds Quebec on the St. Lawrence River, helping to advance France's position and fur trade.
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John Rolfe develops a mild hybrid of tobacco which can be grown in America. Leads to a very profitable trade from the Americas.
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First African slaves brought to Virginia. Precursor to large African slave trade that would eventually take place.
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South Carolina is founded, greatly contributing to the African slave trade. It also greatly helped the economy with its large plantations of cash crops.
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English settlers fought against the native Narragansett people. Increased tensions between the two groups.
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Nathaniel Bacon led a group of colonists to rebel against the Virginia government for the handling of Indian peoples. Showed the difference in opinion between backcountry colonists and city colonists.
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William Penn founds Pennsylvania as part of his "holy experiment," a safe haven for Quakers. Pennsylvania became the most efficient colony of the 17th century.
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England changes to a "constitutional monarchy," with more power in Parliment. Led to rebellions in North America.
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Passed by Parliment, this allowed for other religions to settle in the British colonies.
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Spain declares the Spanish colony of Florida a refuge for escaped slaves, undermining the slave colonies of the south.
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Movement in the 18th century towards rational thought and natural laws.
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The Virginia Slave Codes were established, solidifying the status of slaves, servants, and their rights.
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Massive religious revival in the 18th century.
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Fighting between British and French, causing elevated tensions between the two groups.
