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Jamestown Founded in America
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement founded in the New World by Virginia Company. Harsh winters, disease and starvation are some of the many struggles faced by the colonists. -
Invention of the Telescope
Hans Lippershey invented the telescope, which had a profound impact on astronomy. -
Tobacco ("The Cash Crop") is Planted
Tobacco was planted by John Rolfe in Jamestown. It became known as the "Cash Crop" and saved Jamestown by giving them a reliable resource for use and trade. It also brought more colonists to the region. -
Slavery Introduced in America
Although the planting of tobacco was successful, it brought about a shortage of workers to help pick the crops. In a trade, the colonists received about 20 slaves from the Dutch. Thus, starting the introduction of slavery in America. Unfortunately, slavery becomes a huge debate amongst Americans for years and years to come. -
Pilgrims Arrive
The Pilgrims set sail from England on the Mayflower and arrived in Plymouth Harbor on December 16, 1620. Most were seeking religious freedom in the New World. They were deeply committed to their religious faith. They also celebrated the First Thanksgiving, which we still carry on that tradition today. -
Maryland Colony was Founded
King Charles I of England granted a charter to George Calvert. The land acquired, which was now the second British colony in America, became a safe haven for Roman Catholics who were persecuted in England. This allowed for more people to come to America and more colonies to be formed. -
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
Thomas Hooker's sermon inspired and provided the framework for The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, which stated the powers and limits of government within Connecticut. -
Invention of the Barometer
Evangelista Torricelli invented the barometer which helped to measure atmospheric pressure. -
Virginia Law
Virginia passed the first law that addressed and defined slavery. Children of a slave mother were now considered slaves for life now matter the status of their father. This cleared up any confusion with the birth of a mixed-race child. -
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King Philip's War
King Philip's War, also known as the First Indian War, took place in the southern New England colonies. It was the Native Americans last ditch-effort to ignore English Authority and stop English settlements from acquiring their native lands. -
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Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon gathered a small militia to attack and drive out Native Americans in Virginia . Government saw him as trouble, so he left for a while, then he and his militia returned and burnt Jamestown to the ground. Bacon's Rebellion was also a turning point in American history which triggered events that led to the development of racism. -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witch craft in colonial Massachusetts. A group of young girls in Salem, Massachusetts, claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused about 200 woman of witchcraft. Thirty of those were found guilty, 19 of whom were hung.