-
Aug 3, 1492
Christopher Columbus's voyage
In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail to find a route from Spain to Asia (the Indies) but accidentally stumbled upon America -
Mar 15, 1493
Big New!!!
Just as Columbus arrived back at Spain from his long voyage, him immediately reported his discovery of American to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who had helped finance his trip. This then lend to the colonization by many countries in Europe at the time. -
1578
Humphrey Gilbert's voyage
In 1578, Elizabeth I granted a patent to Humphrey Gilbert for discovery and overseas exploration. -
Gilbert sail
Finally, in September 1583, Gilbert, with five vessels and 260 men, disappeared in the North Atlantic. Gilbert did not survive the return journey to England, and was succeeded by his half-brother. -
The British Empire
The British Empire began to take shape during the early 17th century, with the English settlement of North America and the smaller islands of the Caribbean -
The beginning
In 1603, James VI, King of Scots, ascended (as James I) to the English throne and in 1604 negotiated the Treaty of London, ending hostilities with Spain. -
One more attempt
In 1606, a group of London investors organized the Virginia Company, planning to undertake a commercial colonization scheme -
Jamestown founded
In 1607, Jamestown, Virginia was founded by the London Company (also known as the Virginia Company). -
Virginia
By 1675, Virginia had become Great Britain's most lucrative American colony, exporting more than ten million pounds of tobacco to England annually. -
The thirteen colonies
The English loss the Thirteen Colonies after the American War of Independence towards the end of the 18th century