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1492
Christopher Columbus lands in "New World"
Columbus, sponsored by Spain, sailed across the Atlantic hoping to discover a westward route to Asia but instead encountered the Americas. His voyages opened the door to European exploration and colonization of the "New World," expanding and altering global trade and beginning the Columbian Exchange, which allowed for the exchange of crops, goods, diseases, and ideas between the New and Old Worlds. -
English Settlement of Jamestown Established
English settlers established Jamestown in Virginia, the first permanent English colony in North America. The colony prevailed through disease, famine, and Native American conflicts with the help of the cultivation of tobacco. The settlement's success marked the beginning of European(specifically British) colonization in America, influencing the growth of English settlements and shaping future development. -
Mayflower Compact Signed
The Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower ship signed the Mayflower Compact, a contract establishing self-government for their Plymouth colony. The Compact agreed to create fair laws and govern collectively, marking one of the first steps toward establishing American democracy. It laid the foundation for self-rule in the future and contributed to the development of American political principles. -
End of King Philip's War
King Philip's War was a violent conflict between Native American Tribes and English settlers. Tensions over land and culture sparked widespread fighting. The war devastated both Native and settler populations but mainly ended with the weakening of Native resistance. The war reshaped the balance of power, leading to increased white expansion and the near-collapse of many Native communities in New England. -
British Victory at Battle of Quebec in French and Indian War
The Battle of Quebec was a pivotal turning point in the French and Indian War. British forces defeated the French, securing control of Quebec. This victory effectively ended French power in Canada and shifted the balance of power in North America to Britain. The loss of Quebec led to France ceding much of its North American territory in the Treaty of Paris. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris ended the French and Indian war, reshaping North American territory. France ceded Canada and all of its lands to the east of the Mississippi to Britain, while Spain ceded Florida to Britain and gained Louisiana. This expanded British territory significantly. The Treaty also marked the end of the French colonial power in North America. However, the British debt from the war increased taxes on American colonies, fueling tensions between Britain and its colonies. -
Stamp Act Passed
The Stamp Act was a British law imposing a tax on the American colonies, requiring them to purchase stamped paper for printed materials to help pay for the costs of the French and Indian War. It angered the colonists(taxation without representation in Parliament). The Stamp Act catalyzed colonial unity and resistance, fueling widespread outrage and many boycotts of British goods. Overall, it highlighted the growing tensions between Britain and its American colonies. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a violent confrontation between British soldiers and colonists. Tensions had been rising due to the enforcement of taxes in the colonies. Five colonists were killed, fueling anti-British sentiment. It was portrayed as a brutal massacre by the press and colonial leaders, galvanizing resistance against British rule, increasing colonial unity and pushing for increasing autonomy and independence. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a protest on the Tea Act by the Sons of Liberty in Boston. They boarded British ships holding tea and threw the tea into the Boston Harbor. The British Government considered this protest an act of treason and consequently passed the Coercive(intolerable) Acts that angered the colonists and paved the way to further resistance against British rule. -
Signing of Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress issued and signed the Declaration of Independence, which summarized the colonists' motivations for seeking political independence from Britain and justified the decision to separate and establish a new nation based on rights and liberties. By doing so, they established themselves as an independent nation and unified their colonies against Britain. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga, a turning point in the Revolutionary War, was an American victory against the superior British army. The defeat of the Brits lifted patriot morale, further fueled hope for independence, and helped secure the support of France that was ultimately one of the most important contributions to America's winning of the Revolutionary War.