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Founding of Jamestown
Jamestown was the first ever successful settlement in the New World. It was established by the London Company in southeast Virginia. It thrived as the capital for almost a hundred years until it was abandoned in 1699 and Williamsburg became the capital. -
House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses was the first representative assembly, which met in Virginia beginning in 1619. This was the elected element of the Virginia General Assembly. The ideas and the influence of the leaders from this House helped bring about the American Revolutionary War. -
Plymouth Colony
The Plymouth Colony was created by the pilgrims who settled in America from England in 1620. This colony's government was settled by over forty men aboard the mayflower, the ship that brought these settlers to the new world. This was formed from the mayflower compact, a hard copy of the new laws and signatures of these men. -
Witchcraft
At this time, witchcraft becomes a capital crime in English law, starting the new era of witch hunts and trials. -
Navigation Acts
The navigation acts were designed to tighten the government's control over trade between England, its colonies, and the rest of the world. -
King Philip's War
This war began in 1675, and ended nearly 3 years later on April 12, 1678. It was caused by the the colonists' strong desire for more land, and because of the trial and execution of three of Metacom's men by the colonists. The result was destruction of families and communities, both Natives and colonists alike. It took years to recover from the number of lost lives, the devastating property damage, and the huge military expenditures. The war was especially disastrous for the Native Peoples. -
Plymouth Joins MBC
At this time, the Plymouth colony joins the Massachusetts Bay Colony.Before this, it had remained completely independent since it was founded in 1620. -
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Salem Witch Trials
Spurring from the law which names witchcraft a capital crime, Salem witch hunts result in the arrest of over one hundred and fifty people and the death of around nineteen. The laws and church preaching encouraged such behavior, for the puritan church at the time strived to purify this world they were living in.
