The First Settlements

(Period: Early America)

Synopsis:

For a brief synopsis of the history of this time and period: Click Here.

Historical synopsis courtesy of A Hypertext on American History from the colonial period until Modern Times by Department of Humanities Computing, University of Groningen, The Netherlands and the former United States Information Agency (1953-1999).

Key Facts:

• Most European emigrants left their homelands to escape political oppression, to seek the freedom to practice their religion, or for adventure and opportunities denied them at home.
• Emigration from England was not sponsored by the government, but was motivated by private individuals seeking profit and adventure.

Key Events:

• In the early 1600s, many Europeans began emigrating to the Americas.

Key People:

• Charles I - a king of England whose aggressive rule motivated many people to leave.

Vocabulary:

• Formidable - difficult to overcome.
• Charter - rights or authority (in this case, to start a colony)