Adventurers seek freedom and prosperity in North America.
Shiploads of settlers arrive, including John Rolfe, an ambitious farmer.
Jamestown (1610):
Established as the first permanent English settlement.
Conditions are dire, known as the "starving time" with high mortality rates.
Settlers unprepared and unwilling to work, relying on unproven gold tests.
Conflict with Native Americans:
Jamestown built within the Powhatan Empire, leading to tensions.
Settlers severely outnumbered and outgunned.
John Rolfe and Tobacco
Tobacco's economic impact:
Rolfe discovers tobacco as a lucrative cash crop.
Introduces South American tobacco seeds, creating a profitable harvest worth millions today.
Jamestown transforms from a struggling settlement to a boomtown.
Pocahontas:
Rolfe marries Pocahontas, creating ties with the Powhatan people and increasing interest in the New World.
England begins investment in Virginia; tobacco becomes America's largest export.
Settlers at Plymouth
Pilgrims' arrival (1620):
Seeking religious freedom, the Mayflower lands at Plymouth instead of their intended destination.
Harsh conditions lead to high mortality in the early settlement.
Alliance with Native Americans:
Pilgrims and the Pokanoket people form an alliance for survival against common enemies.
Their cooperation leads to the first Thanksgiving.
Expansion and Growth
Population growth:
By 1650, Virginia has over 20,000 settlers.
Diverse settlers:
Different ethnic groups (Irish, German, Dutch) contribute to population and culture.
Quality of life:
Colonists healthier and wealthier than those in Europe, with larger families and property ownership.
Tensions with Britain
Increasing British control:
After years of prosperity, Britain seeks more control over colonial trade and taxes.
Boston becomes a center of unrest over taxation without representation.
Boston Massacre (1770):
Tensions explode into violence, resulting in the death of five colonists, heightening anti-British sentiments.
Paul Revere's engraving galvanizes public outrage.
Path to Revolution
Tea Party (1773):
Colonists dump British tea into Boston Harbor in protest of tea tax.
British retaliate by shutting down Boston Harbor, increasing tensions.
First Continental Congress (1774):
Delegates from 12 colonies meet to address grievances against British rule.
Establishes solidarity among the colonies.
Lexington and Concord (1775)
First battles of the American Revolution:
British troops march to confiscate weapons; militiamen prepare for confrontation.
"Shot heard 'round the world" marks the start of armed resistance against British rule.
Patriots face an experienced British army but are determined to fight for freedom.
Conclusion
The founding of America is characterized by the struggle for freedom, economic opportunity, and the blending of cultures, ultimately leading to revolution against British rule.