-
Jamestown Founded
After traveling over the Atlantic Ocean, English settlers arrived in the Americas. They arrived in what they deemed as Virginia and named the colony Jamestown after King James. John Smith played a crucial role in the establishment of Jamestown and, he was in charge of the colony. -
Starving Time
In Jamestown, the winter of 1609 was very harsh. This created little to no food resources, and the people who lived in the colony weren't skilled hunters. This caused the people to eat whatever they had, such as dogs, cats, and even leather. Ultimately they ran out of things to eat, so they had to resort to cannibalism. Around 340 settlers died from this event. -
Establishment of the House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses was a limited government with elected representatives; however, these representatives were only rich, white, land-owning men. It was the first establishment of a legislative and democratic government within the colonies. -
Dutch Slave Ship
In 1619, a Dutch slave ship, known as "The White Lion", brought and sold 20 slaves to the colonists. This was the birth of slavery in North America, Jamestown. -
Maryland Toleration Act
The Maryland Toleration Act, also known as the Act Concerning Religion, promotes religious tolerance. England wanted the colonies as populated as possible, so they ensured Maryland would allow all religions. Maryland consisted of mainly Catholics. -
Navigation Acts of 1651
The Navigation Acts of 1651 were enacted from England. They said only British ships could bring goods into Britain, and American colonies could only sell goods (tobacco and sugar) to England. This fueled mercantilism and ultimately led to the revolution. -
King Phillip's War
The Wampanoag tribe met the pilgrims and had a very mutually beneficial relationship for 40 years. Then, Metacom, King Phillip, steps into position, and things start going south. He starts fighting with the colonial people, and the colonists/pilgrims retaliate. Long story short, they go to the tribal lands capture King Phillip, and put his head on a stick to display it for 20 years. This was to show other tribes that the colonists could defend themselves without Great Britain's help/permission. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon's Rebellion, led by Nathan Bacon, occurred near Jamestown. Bacon wanted assistance from Governor Berkeley to address issues with the Doeg tribe, but Berkeley dismissed his concerns. Bacon took matters into his own hands, attacking the wrong tribe. He was exiled, so he gathered a group of small farmers and burned down Jamestown. He died shortly, and so did the rebellion event led to an increase in Virginia's slave population as small farms declined and large plantations grew. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution, also known as the "Bloodless Revolution," was a coup-government takeover that resulted in King James II being ousted. Mary and William were next to take charge. -
1689 Bill of Rights
These were like a rough draft for the Bill of Rights we know and use today. They limited the power of the monarchy and established Parliament and its role in the government.