If the origin of the colonial period was accidental, the ending was not. The representatives of the thirteen colonies who approved the Declaration of Independence in 1776 charted a collision course, aware of the obstacles in their path and the risks they were taking. The events that led to their decision took place over a period of nearly 300 years. Looking back, the wonder is that it culminated so quickly. For a century after its discovery, the New World was little more than a lode to be mined by adventurers seeking profits. It wasn't until the end of the sixteenth century that serious efforts were made to establish permanent colonies. Even then, the perils of the journey and threats of starvation inhibited settlement. But settlers gradually came, spurred, in part, by the fear of religious persecution, but above all, drawn by the hope of owning land. They were a mixed lot: English Separatists from Leiden, French Huguenots, Dutch burghers, Mennonite peasants from the Rhine Valley, and a few gentleman Anglicans. But they shared a quality of toughness. Here is their story from award-winning historian Louis B. Wright.

This work is a history book of the original Thirteen Colonies of the United States. They were originally a group of British colonies on the Atlantic coast of North America, who fought the American Revolutionary War and formed the United States of America by declaring full independence. Just prior to declaring independence, the Thirteen Colonies in their traditional groupings were: New England (New Hampshire; Massachusetts; Rhode Island; Connecticut); Middle (New York; New Jersey; Pennsylvania; Delaware); Southern (Maryland; Virginia; North Carolina; South Carolina; and Georgia).

In the spring of 1607, an English ship landed at modern-day Virginia. The ship's passengers quickly built shelters and a fort. Their settlement, Jamestown, was the first permanent English colony in North America. This event marked the beginning of an important period in US history. Over the next 150 years, thousands of Europeans—men, women, and children—journeyed to North America. They came seeking wealth, religious freedom, or a fresh start in life. The thirteen colonies they created became the foundation for a new nation. Explore the history of each of the thirteen colonies. Track the important events and turning points in the creation of the United States.

"Explore Revolutionary War sites, colonial homesteads, 18th century seaports and more"--Cover

There has always been controversy over the settlement of America. American students have been taught that Columbus discovered America, yet what he found was neither America, nor was it undiscovered. In modern times, students have vast amounts of information available to them, however it is not always obvious which sources are reliable. This book explains the establishment of the thirteen colonies through the eyes of the colonists, Native Americans, African slaves, and the British Empire. Readers will learn that religious freedom wasn't the only reason colonists flocked to the New World. Sidebars with interesting details will help students navigate through the colonization of America with fresh perspective, while encouraging them to use multiple resources to gain informed opinions about historical topics.

Introduces the European immigrants who came to North America as explorers and settlers, their interactions with native people, and the wars that ultimately led to their independence.