European nations establish permanent settlements in the New World
England's first attempt at colonization was on Roanoke Island (in present-day North Carolina).
John White leads 117 colonists to Roanoke Island
White returns to England for supplies, leaving the colonists behind
White returns to find the colony deserted - only the word "CROATOAN" carved on a post
To this day, no one knows what happened to the Roanoke colonists. They may have joined a nearby Native American tribe, been killed, or died from disease or starvation. Roanoke is known as the "Lost Colony."
In 1607, the Virginia Company (a joint-stock company) established Jamestown in present-day Virginia.
Leader who helped Jamestown survive its early struggles. His famous motto: "He who does not work, shall not eat."
According to legend, Pocahontas (daughter of Chief Powhatan) saved Smith's life, though historians debate if this really happened.
The first years were extremely difficult:
In 1612, John Rolfe learned to grow tobacco from Caribbean seeds. Tobacco became extremely popular in Europe and saved the colony economically. The motto became: "Tobacco is our meat, drink, clothing, and money!"
In 1619, Jamestown established the House of Burgesses - the first elected legislature in the American colonies. Male landowners could vote for representatives called "burgesses."
Also in 1619, the first Africans arrived in Virginia. At first, they were treated as indentured servants, but by the 1660s, Virginia had established slavery as a legal institution. This would have devastating consequences for centuries to come.
The Pilgrims were religious separatists who wanted to practice their faith freely, away from the Church of England. They are also called Separatists.
102 passengers (including 41 Pilgrims) sail from England on the Mayflower
Land at Cape Cod (not their intended destination - they were blown off course)
41 men sign the Mayflower Compact - agreement to govern themselves
Settle at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts
Before landing, the Pilgrims created the Mayflower Compact - an agreement to:
This was an important step toward self-government in America.
Like Jamestown, Plymouth's first winter was devastating - about half the colonists died from cold, hunger, and disease.
A Wampanoag man who had learned English after being kidnapped by English traders. He returned to find his village destroyed by disease. Squanto taught the Pilgrims to:
Without Squanto's help, the Plymouth colony might not have survived.
Chief of the Wampanoag people. He made a peace treaty with the Pilgrims that lasted more than 50 years. Both groups agreed to defend each other against enemies.
In fall 1621, the Pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest with a three-day feast. They invited Massasoit and about 90 Wampanoag people. This is considered the "First Thanksgiving," though it wasn't a holiday yet.
The Puritans wanted to "purify" the Church of England (unlike the Pilgrims who wanted to separate). Led by John Winthrop, about 1,000 Puritans came to Massachusetts in 1630.
First governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony. He envisioned the colony as a "city upon a hill" - a model Christian community that others would admire.
Despite seeking religious freedom for themselves, Puritans did not tolerate other beliefs. People who disagreed were banished or punished. This led some to leave and found new colonies.
New France (Canada and Louisiana Territory)
New Netherland (New York area)
Florida and the Southwest