-
Oct 1, 1492
Columbus Discovers New World
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. -
Jun 30, 1516
Smallpox Introduced into New World
As European explorers start inhabiting the Americas, they bring their diseases with them, killing vast numbers of the Native population. -
Jun 30, 1517
Protestant Reformation
Martin Luther openly criticized the Catholic Church, calling for a return to a purer Church. Created religious group of "Protestants." -
Jun 30, 1550
Tobacco Introduced to Europe
Tobacco is introduced to Europe, creating a large demand for the plant, paving the way for later tobacco trade. -
Jun 1, 1562
First French Attempt at Colonization
A group of 150 French Protestants landed near present-day South Carolina. Attempts failed. -
Founding of Jamestown
English found Jamestown, which becomes the first permanent English settlement in North America. -
Founding of Quebec
Samuel de Champlain founds Quebec on the St. Lawrence River, helping to advance France's position and fur trade. -
Tobacco Exports
John Rolfe develops a mild hybrid of tobacco which can be grown in America. Leads to a very profitable trade from the Americas. -
First Africans Brought to Virginia
First African slaves brought to Virginia. Precursor to large African slave trade that would eventually take place. -
South Carolina Founded
South Carolina is founded, greatly contributing to the African slave trade. It also greatly helped the economy with its large plantations of cash crops. -
King Philip's War
English settlers fought against the native Narragansett people. Increased tensions between the two groups. -
Bacon's Rebellion
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. -
Founding of Pennsylvania
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. -
Glorious Revolution
England changes to a "constitutional monarchy," with more power in Parliment. Led to rebellions in North America. -
Toleration Act
Passed by Parliment, this allowed for other religions to settle in the British colonies. -
Spanish Declare Florida a Slave Refuge
Spain declares the Spanish colony of Florida a refuge for escaped slaves, undermining the slave colonies of the south. -
Enlightenment
Movement in the 18th century towards rational thought and natural laws. -
Virginia Slave Code Established
The Virginia Slave Codes were established, solidifying the status of slaves, servants, and their rights. -
Great Awakening
Massive religious revival in the 18th century. -
King George's War
Fighting between British and French, causing elevated tensions between the two groups.
