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In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail to find a route from Spain to Asia (the Indies) but accidentally stumbled upon America
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Just as Columbus arrived back at Spain from his long voyage, him immediately reported his discovery of American to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who had helped finance his trip. This then lend to the colonization by many countries in Europe at the time.
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In 1578, Elizabeth I granted a patent to Humphrey Gilbert for discovery and overseas exploration.
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Finally, in September 1583, Gilbert, with five vessels and 260 men, disappeared in the North Atlantic. Gilbert did not survive the return journey to England, and was succeeded by his half-brother.
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The British Empire began to take shape during the early 17th century, with the English settlement of North America and the smaller islands of the Caribbean
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In 1603, James VI, King of Scots, ascended (as James I) to the English throne and in 1604 negotiated the Treaty of London, ending hostilities with Spain.
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In 1606, a group of London investors organized the Virginia Company, planning to undertake a commercial colonization scheme
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In 1607, Jamestown, Virginia was founded by the London Company (also known as the Virginia Company).
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By 1675, Virginia had become Great Britain's most lucrative American colony, exporting more than ten million pounds of tobacco to England annually.
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The English loss the Thirteen Colonies after the American War of Independence towards the end of the 18th century