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The Settlement of Jamestown
Jamestown was founded in 1607 as England's first permanent colony in the modern United States. Englishmen sailed aboard three ships - the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery- on the James River and established Jamestown on land deemed unhabitable by the Natives on the region. -
Santa Fe
Santa Fe became the first permanent European settlement in the Southwest modern United States. However, the Spaniards never held a commanding presence in the region due to its distance from Mexico City. -
House of Burgesses
The Virginia Company established the House of Burgesses in 1619. The House of Burgesses, composed of white landowners, acted as a limited representative body and met in Jamestown. The House of Burgesses was the first governmental system set in the colonies. -
Women's Introduction To The Colonies
Women were first introduced into colonial life in Jamestown in 1619. They had not been brought over before due to the exploratory and working nature of seeking a colony. -
Introduction of African Slavery in Jamestown
The African slave trade in the English colonies began in 1619 when the Dutch sold twenty African slaves to Virginian colonists, introducing slavery into the United States' history. -
Founding of the Plymouth Colony
Founded by a small band of separatists more widely referred to as "Pilgrims," Plymouth Colony Europe's first permanent settlement in the New World. The "Pilgrims" signed the Mayflower Compact onboard the Mayflower at the end of their journey across the sea. -
Founding of New Netherlands
As the first permanent Dutch settlement in North America, New Netherlands is located in modern-day New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and more. The region would later be traded to England and become known as New York. -
Founding of Connecticut
Thomas Hocker disagreed with the Massachusetts Bay colony leaders and set out to establish his own settlement along with his family and 100 others. Hartford was established in 1636, with Connecticut becoming a colony in 1639. -
Puritan Revolution
Beginning in 1642, the Puritan Revolution sought to reduce the influence of James I due to the ritual and hierarchy that he possessed. James I did away with parliament and threatened to drive Puritans out. Charles I overtook the throne and later was beheaded. This event would have a massive influence on the culture regarding Puritans worldwide. The Revolution came to an end in 1649. -
Laws and Liberties of Massachusetts
With the precursor being the Body of Liberties (1641), the Laws and Liberties of Massachusetts became the basis of civil and criminal law until the 18th century and reflected Puritan concerns. -
Founding of Carolina
The territory that would become Caroline, later split into two territories, was granted to eight proprietors in 1663. -
New Netherlands granted to Duke of York
During this time, the English did not like how the Dutch divided their colonies. The King of England granted New Netherlands to his brother the Duke of York, much to the Dutch's dismay. New Amsterdam became New York upon this transfer of power. -
Bacon's Rebellion
In 1660, the Virginian population grew to 40,00 colonists, comprised of few elites and many poor workers. With Sir William Berkeley as the Royal governor, he retained most of the tobacco trade profits no matter who had grown the product. Corruption in the government of Virginia created tension and a social divide. In 1675, Nathaniel Bacon organized a group of men to attack a local native American group because he believed the government was not doing enough about the Native population. -
Monmouth’s Rebellion
The Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 sought to overthrow James II from the throne. Followers of the rebellion believed that James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate son of Charles II, should become the King. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution beginning in 1688, was a bloodless coup to overthrow King James II. The. Revolution sought to abolish absolutism and establish a constitutional monarchy. This revolution led to the English Bill of Rights (1689) and significantly influenced North America and the future Constitution. The Glorious Revolution ended in 1689.
