Colonial history of the United States

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Colonial history of the United States

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The period of European colonization in North America, leading to the US formation.

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Origins & Early Life

The colonial history of the United States covers the period of European colonization of North America from the early 17th century until the unifying of thirteen British colonies and creation of the United States in 1776, during the American War of Independence. Native Americans lived in the territory of North America prior to European colonization and were present throughout the colonial era. The Spanish were the first Europeans to establish a permanent settlement in what became the United States, at Saint Augustine, Florida (1565). Although Spain claimed sovereignty over all North America, its main interest was central Mexico with dense, hierarchically organized indigenous populations, who rendered tribute and labor to overlords, and newly discovered deposits of precious metals. Those resources made Spain wealthy.

Career & Major Achievements

In the late sixteenth century, other European powers including England, France, and the Dutch Republic sought to replicate Spain's colonial success and launched colonization expeditions in North America in territory that Spain claimed but had not colonized. English settlers in the Thirteen Colonies on the Atlantic seaboard came from a variety of social and religious groups, including adventurers, farmers, indentured servants, tradesmen, and a very few from the aristocracy. Settlers included the Dutch of New Netherland, the Swedes and Finns of New Sweden, the English Quakers of the Province of Pennsylvania, the English Puritans of New England, the Virginian Cavaliers, the English Catholics and Protestant Nonconformists of the Province of Maryland, the "worthy poor" of the Province of Georgia, the Germans who settled the mid-Atlantic colonies, and the Ulster Scots of the Appalachian Mountains. These groups all became part of the United States when it gained its independence in 1783. Parts of what had been New France were incorporated during the American Revolution and soon after.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Parts of New Spain were incorporated in several stages, and Russian America was also incorporated into the United States at a later time. The diverse colonists from these various regions built colonies of distinctive social, religious, political, and economic style. Over time, non-British colonies East of the Mississippi River were taken over and most of the inhabitants were assimilated. In Nova Scotia, however, the British expelled the French Catholic Acadians, and many refugees relocated to Louisiana. The two chief armed rebellions were short-lived failures in Virginia in 1676 and in New York in 1689–1691.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1565: 1565 Milestone — The Spanish were the first Europeans to establish a permanent settlement in what became the United States, at Saint Augustine, Florida (1565).
2. 1676: 1676 Milestone — The two chief armed rebellions were short-lived failures in Virginia in 1676 and in New York in 1689–1691.
3. 1776: 1776 Milestone — The colonial history of the United States covers the period of European colonization of North America from the early 17th century until the unifying of thirteen British colonies and creation of the United States in 1776, during the American War of Independence.
4. 1783: 1783 Milestone — These groups all became part of the United States when it gained its independence in 1783.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Colonial history of the United States

True or False: “Spain was the first European power to establish a permanent settlement in what became the United States at Saint Augustine, Florida.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Spain established early claims and settlements, the question implies it was the *only* initial presence; other powers like England followed shortly after.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Chōsokabe Nobuchika — Historical peer (Born in 1565) (1565): Samurai lord who lived during the late Sengoku period, dying in a campaign against the Shimazu.
• Adam František Kollár — Historical peer (Died in 1783) (1783): Pioneering Slovak jurist, historian, and coiner of the term ethnology.
• Agustín de Iturbide — Historical peer (Born in 1783) (1783): Mexican military officer and politician who became the first Emperor of Mexico.
• Alexander Selkirk — Historical peer (Born in 1676) (1676): Scottish privateer and castaway whose survival inspired literary giants like Crusoe.
• Alexis of Russia — Historical peer (Died in 1676) (1676): Tsar of All Russia, second Romanov to rule, known for legal reforms and wars.
• Aphra Behn — Historical peer (Died in 1689) (1689): Pioneering English writer, poet, and spy of the Restoration era.
• Christina, Queen of Sweden — Historical peer (Died in 1689) (1689): Queen of Sweden, known for her intellect, patronage, and dramatic abdication to Rome.

Frequently Asked Questions about Colonial history of the United States