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Located in modern-day Virginia, Jamestown was the first European colony in America. It was founded by many people who wanted religious freedom, but there were also many that came to the New World in search of riches. Captain John Smith is a notable historic figure who was the governor of Jamestown.
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The House of Burgesses, the first representative assembly in America, meets for the first time in Virginia. The first African slaves are brought to Jamestown.
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The Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts is established by Pilgrims from England seeking religious freedom. Before disembarking from their ship, the Mayflower, the Mayflower Compact was written which established the basis of the colony's government
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At this time in America's history, the population was estimated to be around 50,400.
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The English seize New Amsterdam from the Dutch and rename it, New York.
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This writing of John Locke had a tremendous influence on the American Colonies. It presented the ideas of equality and inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property. This became a foundational belief in America and was later echoed in the Declaration of Independence.
