A Brief Journey Through the Fascinating History of the English Colonies in America

The English colonies in America played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the United States. From the first settlement at Jamestown in 1607 to the eventual creation of the independent nation, these colonies laid the foundation for a new world order. In this article, we will embark on a captivating journey through the short yet eventful history of the English colonies in America.

Early European Exploration and the Search for New Trade Routes

The story of the English colonies in America begins with the fervent desire of European explorers to find new trade routes. In the late 15th century, Christopher Columbus set foot in the New World, followed by explorers such as John Cabot and Sir Walter Raleigh. These voyages opened up a world of possibilities and sparked interest amongst the English to establish colonies in America.

The First Permanent English Settlement: Jamestown

One of the most significant milestones in the history of the English colonies is the establishment of Jamestown in 1607. Located in present-day Virginia, this settlement became the first permanent English colony in America. The settlers faced numerous challenges, including starvation, disease, and conflicts with the native tribes, but they persevered and laid the groundwork for future colonies to prosper.

A Short History of the English Colonies in America

by Henry Cabot Lodge(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1375 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	578 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Plymouth and the Pilgrims

The Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, set sail on the Mayflower and landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. This event marked the beginning of a new wave of English colonization in America. Despite harsh conditions and limited resources, the Pilgrims established a successful colony and celebrated the first Thanksgiving, a tradition that continues to this day in the United States.

The Thirteen Original Colonies

Over the next century, more English colonies sprouted along the eastern coast of America. The thirteen original colonies included Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Each colony had its own unique identity and played a significant role in the history of the United States.

The Colonial Economy and the Impact of Mercantilism

The English colonies relied heavily on trade and agriculture for their economic survival. The mercantilist policies imposed by England dictated that the colonies could only trade with the mother country, creating a strong economic relationship. This arrangement had both positive and negative consequences for the colonies, as they enjoyed the protection of the British Empire but were limited in their ability to trade freely with other nations.

The Road to Revolution

As tensions between England and the colonies grew, discontent sparked a rebellion. The colonies began to question British authority and demand greater representation. Influential figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington emerged during this time and laid the groundwork for the American Revolution, leading to the eventual independence of the United States.

The Legacy of the English Colonies

The English colonies in America left an indelible mark on the world. From the establishment of democratic principles to the diversity in cultures and religions, these colonies set the stage for the birth of a new nation. The ideals and values fostered during this time continue to shape the United States and inspire people around the globe.

The short history of the English colonies in America is an intriguing tale of courage, resilience, and determination. Despite the challenges they faced, these early settlers laid the foundation for the creation of a new nation that would eventually become a global superpower. Understanding the history of the English colonies allows us to appreciate the rich heritage and diverse society we have today.

A Short History of the English Colonies in America

by Henry Cabot Lodge(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1375 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	578 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

"Who and what the people were who fought the war for Independence and founded the United States – what was their life, what their habits, thoughts, and manners – seemed to me, when I began my study of American history, questions of the deepest interest. They were questions, too, which appeared to me never to have been answered in a compact and comprehensive form; and this volume is an attempt to supply the deficiency. The chapters, therefore, which purport to describe the various colonies in and about the year 1765 represent the purpose of the book. ...I felt that it was essential to my purpose to give an outline of the political history of each colony, in order to present a complete picture of the various communities. These sketches are as condensed as I could make them, although they have run to a far greater length than I hoped would be necessary. They make absolutely no pretence to original research, but are merely my own presentation of facts which ought to be familiar to every one. The question of arrangement was not an easy one where thirteen distinct histories were involved; but, after much reflection, I decided to deal with each colony by itself, and give its complete history down to the year 1765... The three concluding chapters are added, like those which treat of the political history of each colony, merely for the sake of completeness, and aim only to be a concise outline of the events which resulted in national existence." - Henry Cabot Lodge

Contents: Virginia from 1606 to 1765. Virginia in 1765. Maryland from 1632 to 1765. Maryland in 1765. North Carolina from 1663 to 1765. North Carolina in 1765. South Carolina from 1663 to 1765. South Carolina in 1765. Georgia from 1732 to 1765. Georgia in 1765. Delaware from 1609 to 1682. Pennsylvania from 1681 to 1765. Pennsylvania and Delaware, 1765. New Jersey from 1664 to 1765. New Jersey in 1765. New York from 1609 to 1765. New York in 1765. Massachusetts from 1620 to 1765. Connecticut from 1635 to 1765. Rhode Island from 1636 to 1765. New Hampshire from 1623 to 1765. New England in 1765. Preparing for Revolution: from 1765 to 1776. The War for Independence: from 1776 to 1782. Peace: 1782.