An extension of European power struggles

At the same time the Spanish, Dutch, Swedish and the French settle North American, the British start a colony in Virginia (Jamestown, 1607).

New Amsterdam is taken from the Dutch and renamed New York in 1664 by the British.

The French and Indian War or Seven Years War (1754–1763)

After France lost, most of its possessions in North America are shared between the United Kingdom and Spain.
The war was very costly to the British crown.

Importation of non-British settlers

Many German settlers come to the British colonies in the 1670s, mostly in Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia but also Louisiana.

Pennsylvania is founded by William Penn and welcomes many settlers from religious minorities such Lutherans, Reformed, Amish and Mennonites.

Booming economy and tensions with the Natives

Coastal cities rely mostly on trade with Europe while in the mainland, colonists try to evict the Native American tribes in order to settle the land to practice extensive agriculture.

Major crops included cotton, sugar and tobacco.

Importation of slave labor

The first African slaves arrive in Virginia in 1619 to make up for a labor shortage.
This event would shape the history of the United States.

KEY TERMS

Puritans or Pilgrims

They are a group of protestant Christians (Calvinists) who disagreed with the way the Church of England was incompletely reformed.

Mayflower Compact

While crossing the Atlantic on the Mayflower, the Puritans established a document laying out the way their colony was to be governed.

Some Americans argue it was the first step towards the constitution.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

Treaty ending the French and Indian War and establishing British dominance in North America.