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).

Alike but different, bound together by common experience but made individual by geography - the original Thirteen Colonies formed the foundation of the United States of America! From Massachusetts to Georgia, the colonists learned to survive and then flourish in an unknown land full of obstacles and the unexpected. How did they muster the courage, the ingenuity, and the will to persevere? Learn just what it took in this book: The Founding Fathers American Flag-13 Stars and 13 stripes How the Colonies Formed It's Not Easy to Break Away from the Mother Country Meeting the Native Americans Hands-on Activities Reproducible Activities Glossary Fascinating Facts Timeline And Lots More! The compelling story of America's original Thirteen Colonies is a meaningful one for all students who seek to understand how what we learn from history can help us in our own quests. The true high drama of emotions... the deprivations... the determination... and the "going the distance" in spite of setbacks has lessons for all ages, ethnicities, and genders. Read along, and be inspired! "If they did it, surely I can too!"

This volume invites readers to step back in time to colonial Pennsylvania, in whose storied history we can find the origins of the United States. This comprehensive look at Pennsylvania’s colonial era covers its Quaker origins, early industry, its unique social and religious climate, and the role it played in America’s most important revolutionary events. Readers will learn about key historical figures, such as William Penn and Benjamin Franklin, as well as monumental historical events that took place in Pennsylvania, including the meeting of the First and Second Continental Congresses, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and more. Primary sources, maps, and period-specific artwork transport readers back in time to the second state’s legendary colonial history.

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

Provides a history of New York, from its beginnings as a Dutch colony to its involvement in the American Revolution and its admittance into the United States in 1788.