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Period: 1491 to
Period 1/2
The period of the earliest migration to North America to the latest French and American War. -
1492
Columbian Exchange
The Columbian Exchange was an event that occurred after early Indian migration and European colonization in which the New World exchanged their crops and other things with the Old World. This event was important because it introduced new crops and diseases into both hemispheres, morphed the population, and altered the wealth sphere. -
Establishment of Jamestown
In attempt to escape religious persecution, a group called the "Virginia Company" landed in the James River where they got out to start their new life. The establishment of this colony was significant because it was the first successful colony in America and the rules and precedents set there would transfer to other colonies. -
Virginia House of Burgesses Established
In this event, the Virginia Company elected a lawmaking body to allow representative government in Virginia. The importance of this event is that it was the first democratically-elected legislative body in the British American colonies and this lawmaking body helped bring about the Revolutionary War, a clearly important event that this house ultimately created. -
Massachusetts Bay Colony Formed
The Massachusetts Bay Colony was settled by a group of Puritans led by John Winthrop after obtaining a charter to ultimately help with trade and colonization in New England. The importance of this event is the fact that it was one of the first colonies and the colony instituted many of it's own laws regarding religion and legislation that impacted later colonies. -
English Civil War
This war was a war in England between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists under Charles I caused by Charles I enforcing the divine right of kings and more absolutist policies in England. This war was important because it ended the notion of the divine right of kings and laid the groundwork for the modern UK parliament and monarchy. -
Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts were an attempt by England to assert its control over American trade by passing a series of laws that regulated colonial trade to England's benefit. The importance of this event was the fact that it evoked rage and anger amongst the colonists which led to rebellion and played into future wars. -
King Philip's War
King Philip's War that pitted Native Americans against English settlers caused by Native Americans's want to avoid recognizing English authority and stop English settlement on their native lands. This event is important because the English defeated the Native Americans and were able to open up additional Indian lands for expansion. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights is an act that the Parliament of England that created separation of powers, limited the powers of the king and queen, enhanced the democratic election and bolstered freedom of speech. This was important because it denounced King James II for abusing his power and had a great influence on the colonies in North America and on the Constitution of the United States -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a period of intense religious revivalism that spread throughout the American colonies that deemphasized the higher authority of church doctrine and put greater importance on the individual and their spiritual experience. This event was important because it altered how religion was formerly dealt with, boosted church growth, and changed Christianity forever. -
French-Indian War
The French-Indian War, otherwise known as the Seven Years War, was a war against France and the Native Americans against the British and the 13 colonies in which the sides fought over the land in the Ohio River Valley. The importance of this event is the fact that the war changed economic, political, and social relations between Britain and its colonies, bringing Britain into debt.
