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Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus Made a Discovery
Chistopher Columbus, an Italian explorer who received money from the royal family of Spain, set sail westward in the Atlantic Ocean trying to find a quicker and less expensive route to the Indies. He instead landed in the Caribbean Islands and unknowingly discovered a whole new land. -
Pilgrims Arrived in the Mayflower at New England
English Pilgrims, led by Captain Myles Standish arrived in New England and established a colony at Plymouth, escaping religious persecution by the Anglican Church. This was very significant because they signed the first written document establishing government in America. It was called the Mayflower Compact, named after the ship in which they made the 65 day voyage. -
New Netherland Colony Founded
The Dutch founded a picturesque colony along the Hudson River. The economic success of this colony was exemplary due to the numerous amounts of aristocratic patroonships and fur trading posts. This was significant because it became a site where many religions were tolerated and attracted a colorful, cosmopolitan population. New Amsterdam was a blend of many cultures which layed the foundation for America being considered a "melting pot." -
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut Signed
The Fundamental Orders were signed by a group of New Englanders in efforts to create democracy among the colony. This was significant because it was ultimately a modern constitution in the Connecticut Colony. -
William Penn Founded Pennsylvania Colony
William Penn, a Quaker, founded the Pennsylvania Colony. He successfully advertised the colony as being religiously and socially tolerant. His colony flourished and Philadelphia, a very important and well-planned city, was created. He named the city after a Greek phrase meaning "brotherly love." Philadelphia, as well as the rest of the colony, accurately displayed this phrase. -
Treaty of Paris Signed
The Treaty of Paris ended the "French and Indian War." France was defeated by the British. Canada, east of the Mississippi River, was attained by British control. Britain, even though victorious, had a large debt from the war. A monatary burden was placed upon the American colonists. -
Proclamation of 1763 Issued
The Proclamation of 1763 was signed and issued by King George III in efforts to stabilize the relationship between American Colonists and the Native Americans. The document stated that no colonist under any circumstances was permitted to occupy lands west of the Appalachian mountain range. Colonists, angered by this implementation, ultimately ignored the King's statement and continued to traverse westward. The Proclamation of 1763 was considered to be the "first step" towards revolution. -
Declaration of Independence Signed
The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by many colonists such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. This is significant because it formally seperates the American Colonies from Great Britain. The United States of America was born. -
Articles of Confederation Implemented
The Articles of Confederation was the first attempt of an organized constitution snd government throughout the states. Even though it ultimately failed, it was still significant because it was the first unified attempt at creating an organized government with laws affecting all people. It was the initiation of a federal government among the United States of America. -
United States Constitution Signed
The United States Constitution was signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It initiated a full government and organized a much stronger United States.