First Colonies: 1565-1700 | American Colonial History | Jamestown, Plymouth, Puritans, Quakers

Summary

This presentation traces the establishment of European colonies in the future United States and Canada from 1565 to 1700. It highlights the initial Spanish colonization, the arrival of the English, French, and Dutch, and the development of diverse colonies with varying economic and social systems. Key events include the founding of St. Augustine, Jamestown's struggles and tobacco boom, the Mayflower's arrival, and the establishment of representative government and slavery. The narrative also touches on conflicts like King Philip's War, the Salem witch trials, and the expansion of French fur trading posts, setting the stage for future colonial rivalries.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The colonization of what is now the United States and Canada began 73 years after Spain started colonizing the Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America in 1492.
• 🌐 The native American language and cultural groups along the Atlantic Ocean included the Algonquin, Sioux, Muskogen, Iroquoian, and Pueblo nations.
• 👑 The first successful European colony above Mexico was the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, founded in Florida in 1565.
• 🛟 Sir Walter Raleigh's attempts at Roanoke Island in 1585 and 1587 marked the beginning of English colonization in North America, despite the colonies' failures.
• 💢 The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 signaled a shift in global power and opened opportunities for England, France, and the Netherlands to colonize North America.
• 📜 The founding of Jamestown in 1607 by the Virginia Company marked the beginning of successful English colonization in North America.
• 🌾 In 1613, John Rolfe's cultivation of tobacco in Jamestown initiated the first profitable venture in English North America.
• 🏛️ The establishment of the House of Burgesses in 1619 marked the beginning of representative government in North America, while the same year saw the first shipment of slaves to Jamestown.
• 🚢 The Mayflower's voyage in 1620 led to the founding of Plymouth by Pilgrim separatists, who sought a complete separation from the Church of England.
• 🏫 The Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded in 1630, brought significant numbers of women and children, leading to explosive growth and the establishment of institutions like the Boston Latin School and Harvard.
• 🌳 The French and Dutch also expanded their presence in North America, with Samuel de Champlain charting Lake Champlain and the Dutch establishing New Amsterdam in 1626.

Q & A

What was the first successful European foothold above Mexico in the future United States and Canada?

The first successful European foothold above Mexico was the Spanish colony of Saint Augustine, founded in modern Florida in 1565.

Why did the failure of the Spanish Armada in 1588 impact the colonization efforts of other European nations in North America?

The failure of the Spanish Armada signified that Spain was no longer the most powerful nation in the world, providing opportunities for England, France, and the Netherlands to colonize North America.

What significant event occurred in the Roanoke colony in 1587?

In 1587, a second colony was established at Roanoke Island under John White, and Virginia Dare, the first English child born in North America, was born there.

What was the significance of Jamestown's founding in 1607 for the English colonies?

Jamestown's founding in 1607 marked the beginning of the first permanent English settlement in North America, predating other English colonies by several years.

How did the colonization of North America change after the English Civil War in 1642?

The English Civil War led to a period of disorder in England, which in turn resulted in the English colonies in America developing more autonomy due to the lack of direct control from the mother country.

What was the first profitable venture in English North America and how did it impact the economy?

The first profitable venture in English North America was the cultivation of West Indian or Caribbean tobacco at Jamestown in 1613, which established tobacco as a cash crop.

What were the contrasting institutions born in Jamestown in 1619?

In 1619, two contrasting institutions were born in Jamestown: the House of Burgesses, which marked the beginning of representative government in North America, and the first shipment of slaves to Jamestown, introducing slave labor to the region.

Which European power established a presence in North America with the founding of Quebec in 1608?

The French established a presence in North America with the founding of Quebec in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain.

What was the first compulsory education law in the future United States and when was it passed?

The first compulsory education law in the future United States was passed by the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1647.

What significant event occurred in 1692 that affected both the French and Spanish colonization efforts in North America?

In 1692, the French explorer LaSalle reached the mouth of the Mississippi River, marking the extension of France's water trade empire, while the Spanish returned to Santa Fe, having learned the importance of cooperation with native nations.

Why was the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 significant for the growth of Boston and the surrounding area?

The establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was significant because it brought a large number of Puritans, including women and children, to Massachusetts, leading to explosive growth rates in Boston and the surrounding area.