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1000 BCE
Vikings come to North America
Leif Erikson and his crew sailed to Vinland which is now the Canadian province of Newfoundland. -
Sep 28, 1066
William of Normandy Conquers England
William invades England at Pevensey to claim his right to reign. -
Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was a charter that King John of England agreed to. It became part of the English political life and was renewed with the addition of new kings. -
Oct 12, 1492
Columbus discovers America
Christopher Columbus set sail with his three ships, the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria in hopes of finding Asia however, he discovered America. -
Jun 24, 1497
John Cabot's Exploration of America
Cabot possibly landed in Southern Labrador. He noticed habitation but no people so he took possession of the land for King Henry. Cabot also named various spots on his exploration such as St. John Island and St. George's Cape. -
Dec 24, 1517
Protestant Reformation
This was a movement (1517-1648) aimed at changing the beliefs and ways of the Roman Catholic Church. During this, political leaders wanted to extend their authority into the church; which the citizens found very problematic. During this time, Luther constantly argued that the Bible was the means of discerning God's will, not the pope. -
English Settlement in Jamestown, Virginia
After the Englishmen arrived to America, they chose Jamestown, in honor of King James, to start a settlement. This was the first permanent english settlement in America. -
House of Burgesses
This was the first Legislative assembly of elected representatives in North America. It was also established by the Virginia company. -
Pilgrims Arrive in America
On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth England with 140 passengers all hoping to find religious freedom in America. After a treacherous and long journey, the pilgrims touch American soil on November 21, 1620. -
Puritan Migration
English settlers, mostly Puritan, migrate (1630s-1640s) to Massachusetts in order to find freedom to practice their Puritan religion. -
Nathaniel Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon lead a rebellion of one thousand armed Virginian settlers who rose against the rule of Governor William Berkley. In this rebellion, they attacked Berkeley, Native Americans, and the capital. -
The Enlightenment
The enlightenment was a philosophical movement (1685-1815) that inspired leaders question tradition and form new ideas. The American Revolution was directly inspired by enlightenment ideals. -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening (1730s -1740s) refers to the many religious revivals that spread across the American colonies. This was the first religious experience shared by a large amount of people through out the American colonies. It deepened the people's knowledge of sin, faith, and Godly leadership. -
French and Indian War
This is also known as the Seven Years War. The series of battles began as a result of expansion and territorial issues in America. The war ended with great territorial gain for Great Britain but paying the war's expenses led to colonial discontent. -
Proclamation of 1763
This was issued by King George III after Great Britain took French territory in North America. This proclamation wouldn't allow any settlement past a line drawn along the Appalachian Mountains. -
Salutary Neglect
The Salutary Neglect (1609- 1763) refers to the British Crown policy of the avoiding of parliament laws meant to keep American colonies in unison and obedient to England. It also led to the American Revolutionary War because American Colonies had to self govern and they realized they were powerful enough to defeat the British. -
Stamp Act
The British Parliament put a tax (stamp duty) on newspapers and legal/commercial documents for all the American colonies. -
Townshend Act
The Townshend Act (June 15- July 2, 1767) refers to a series of acts passed by British Parliament. The acts include, Revenue Act, Indemnity Act, Commissioners of Customs Act, The Vice Admiralty Court Act, and The New York Restraining Act. The purpose was to raise revenue in colonies to pay governors and judges, enforce compliance with trade regulators, and to make clear that Great Britain has every right to tax colonies how they see fit. -
Bostons Massacre
Colonist taunt British soldiers as they were guarding the Customs House. The officers fire and six were killed with many more wounded. -
Boston Tea Party
In order to make a political protest against the Sons of Liberty, attackers disguised themselves as Indians and destroyed the shipment of tea in defiance of the Tea Act (May 10, 1773). -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress (September 5- October 26, 1776) was a meeting of delegates from the 13 colonies, held in Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. They decided to continue boycotting British goods, prepare a Colonial militia, and write 10 resolutions for King George III. -
Second Continental Congress
Delegates from the 13 colonies met and decided to make peace by the Olive Branch petition, make a continental army with George Washington, and draft a committee to write the Declaration of Independence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. The meeting also was an attempt to rally American support. -
Declaration of Independence
This formal document announced the 13 American colonies as independent states and free from British rule. The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress. -
Treaty of Paris
Signed by representatives of King George III and representatives of America, this treaty claimed the end of the American Revolutionary War. The treaty set new borders, France kept Canada, and America is a free nation.
