Period 2

Founding of Jamestown (1607)
First permanent English settlement in North America, founded in Virginia. Initially struggled with disease, starvation, and conflict with Powhatan Confederacy, but later thrived with tobacco.

Pilgrims settle Plymouth (1620)
Separatists (Pilgrims) left England, seeking religious freedom. Wrote the Mayflower Compact, an early example of self-government and majority rule.

“City on the Hill” (1630)
John Winthrop’s sermon to Massachusetts Bay colonists: Puritans must build a godly community as a model of moral living for the world. Symbol of religious mission and unity.

Bacon’s Rebellion (1676)
Frontier settlers in Virginia, led by Nathaniel Bacon, rebelled against Governor Berkeley over Native raids and land. Revealed tensions between poor farmers vs. elites → increased reliance on enslaved Africans instead of indentured servants.

King Philip’s War (1675–1676)
Conflict between New England colonists and Native leader Metacom (“King Philip”). Very deadly; Native resistance in New England crushed, opening land for colonial expansion.

Salem Witch Trials (1692)
Hysteria in Massachusetts led to 20 executions. Showed dangers of religious extremism and tensions in Puritan society.

Virginia Slave Codes (1705)
Laws defined slavery as hereditary and based on race, legally codifying African slavery and removing rights from enslaved people.

Great Awakening (1730s–1740s)
Religious revival across colonies. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield stressed emotional, personal faith. Encouraged questioning of authority and more religious diversity.

Zenger Case (1735)
John Peter Zenger tried for criticizing New York governor in his newspaper. Jury ruled in his favor → early victory for freedom of the press.

French & Indian War starts (1754)
Conflict between Britain & France (with Native allies) over control of North America. Britain wins but war costs lead to taxing colonies, setting stage for Revolution.