-
Sep 13, 1492
Christopher Columbus
The first of early American writing was Christopher Columbus who recounted his voyages to the Americas from letters and journals. These opened the door to a century of Spanish expedtitions in the Americas. Although Columbus died before he knew, hisn journals gave a visual record of the most significant journeys of his time. -
A Brief and True Report
Thomas Harriot wrote A Brief and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia which captured the area's natural resources, the ways of Natives, and the potential for building a succesful colony. It was published in 1588 and had illustrations that helped form a clear picture of North America. -
Puritans
Many of the settlers in the 1600s were Puritans. They were a group of English Protestants who wanted to "purify" the Church of England and have simpler ways to worship. They left England and went to America for freedom from persecution. Puritans believed that they were chosen by God to create a new order in America. -
Jamestown
The first permanent colony was established at Jamestown, Virginia by the English. -
Bay Psalm Book
The first book issued in North American colonies was the Bay Psalm Book which had Bible's psalms that were rewritten to fit the rhythms of Puritan hymns. -
Anne Bradstreet
Anne Bradstreet viewed poetry as means of exploring an individual and God. Her poems relfect her wide learning, deep faith, and love for her husband and children. They also provide information of a woman in a dominant male Puritan society. Her book, The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in Ameria, was published in 1650. It was the first published work of a North American woman. -
Quakers
William Penn founds the colony of Pennsylvania in 1682 for the Quakers. They were a religious group who "quaked" when they worshipped. They didn't swear but were very devoted. -
Salem Witch Trials
Salem Witch trials show atmosphere of mass hysteria. They were a series of hearings and prosecutions in Massachusetts where people were accused of withcraft and being involved with the devil. -
Enlightenment
There was an outbreak of intellectual energy taking place in Europe during the 1700s known as the Enlightenment. Enlightenment thinkers had begun to question previously accepted truths about who should hold the power in government. It pointed out the way to a government by the people. This shaped the American Enlightenment, giving colonistsa philosophical footing for their revolution. -
Roots
By now, the English had their American colonies stretched all along the Atlantic Coast. Once they were rooted in North America, the colonies were able to rely on themselves and they practiced self-government. -
The Great Awakening
At the same as the Enlightenment, many worried that the Puritan values were being lost. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards called for people to rededicate themselves to their faith and new wave of relgious enthusiasm arose. It united colonists who in other ways were diverse. -
Period: to
French and Indian War
The French allied with Native Americans to drive the British out of North Ameirca. After being defeated, England brought in new military leaders and made its own alliance with Native Americans (Iroquois). After a lengthy and costly war, Great Britian won and clamied of North America east of the MIssissippi River. -
Period: to
Pamplets
Between these years, about two thousand pamphlets were published. They became the fuel of the revolution, reaching thousands of people quickly and stirring deabte and action in response to growing discontent with Bristish rule. -
Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party marks a rejection of Britain's taxation. The colonists dump tea into the Boston Harbor, while dressed up as Native Americans, to show this rejection. The Revolutionary War begins two years after. -
Free and Independent
The colonies declared themselves to be "free and independent" and fought and defeated one of the greatest military powers to turn their declaration into a reality. Franklin, Jefferson, and other colonists, created the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. -
Approval
The Constitution of the United States, written by Franklin, Jefferson, and other colonists, was approved and America was born.
