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1524
Explorers Establish New France
The early French explorers sailed west with dreams of reaching the East Indies, the was explored by Giovanni da Verrazzano -
Colonizing the Caribbean
The nations of Europe also colonized the Caribbean. The French seized control of present-day Haiti, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. -
The Settlement at Jamestown
In April, about 105 English colonists who had set sail from England landed in Virginia. They named their colony Jamestown, after the monarch who had approved the financing of a new settlement. -
A Strained Relationship
The French and Dutch settlers developed a mostly cooperative relationship with the Native Americans. This was due mainly to the mutual benefits of the fur trade. -
The English Oust the Dutch
The English king, Charles II, granted his brother, the Duke of York, permission to drive out the Dutch. -
England Battles France
A dispute over land claims in the Ohio Valley led to a war between the British and French on the North American continent. The conflict became known as the French and Indian War.