-
Period: Jan 1, 1530 to
Colonial America
-
Feb 1, 1550
Sugar Begins to Dominate Economy
Beginning in the Portuguese American colonies, sugar took off as a staple of colonial America's economy. Sugar was a favored cash crop of many plantation owners, and as the demand for sugar increased over time, so did the demand for slaves in America. Sugar tranformed the economy of America, and the events that transpired as a result. -
Unsuccessful British Attempt to Establsih Newfoundland Colony
In 1583, the British embarked on a series of voyages in an attempt to secure a colony in newfoundland. Interest in the territory spiked as a result of fishing expeditions by the Europeans. This failed colonization demonstrated a check to total domination by the British and Europeans over the colonial American territories. Eventually, the French established a territory here. -
Jamestown Founded
Founded in Virginia by the Virginia Company, Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. This founded colony lay on the bank of the James River, hence, Jamestown. For the first years of European settlement, conflict with local native tribes and disease brought Jamestown to the brink of failure before the arrival of more settlers and supplies. -
Plymouth founded
Colony founded by the Pilgrims in search for escape from the religous persecution they suffered at home in England. The Pilgrims arrived on the famous ship, the Mayflower in September of 1620. Plymouth was where the Europeans first established the New england Colonies. Plymouth's settlement was not easy however. More than half of the original European settlers died through brutal winters and disease. -
Slave Population in Virginia Begins Period of Rapid Growth
By now, Virginia had established itself as the hub of the agricultural market both of the colonies and the world. Producing a variety of staple crops such as tobacco and sugar, Virginia demanded the growth and development of a plantation economy and lifestyle, and as a result, the slave population in Virginia increased. This not only altered the lifestyle of the Virginians, but also of the slaves who formed communities and developed unique lifestyles. -
English Take New York From Dutch
In September of 1664, Peter Stuyvesent, the Dutch governor, surrenders New York to the English. Following its taking, English and Dutch settlers lived peacefully alongside one another. However, in 1673, the Netherlands temporarily regained control of New York, but it was recovered in 1674. New york would eventually become the first captal of the United States. -
Louisiana is Founded
Founded by Pierre Le Moyne d'lberville, a French military officer in 1699. In order to increase the value of this colony, France granted a monompoly of commercial privelages in 1712. However, as a result of the French and Indian War, France would be forced to cede Louisiana to Spain. -
French and Indian War
Also known as the Seven Years War. This war marked an imperial struggle between Britain and France. This war was brought about as repeated conflicts arose with France's expansion into the Ohio River Valley. The war ended in 1763, resulting in the British receiving Canada from France and Florida from Spain. France also gave Louisiana to Spain. -
English Take Canada
1760 marked an era of British rule over Canada. The transfer of Canada to the English resulted from the Treaty of Paris signed in 1763 when France ceded all claims to mainland North America and Canada to the English. The loss of Canada, one of France's largest and most resourceful territories, hurt France in many ways economically, and socially. -
Amerindian Revolts in the Andean Region
Led by Tupac Amaru II, many revolts occured in the Andean region as a reuslt of Spanish colonization, such as their colonizing of Peru. These revolts marked and highlighted the native discontent in many areas with European colonization. Tupac Amaru II and many other revolters, proved unsuccessful in their rebellion and suffered brutal consequences.
