1607–1706 - Exploration & Settlement

Mercantilism — or the Mercantile System — was an economic theory implemented by England that allowed the American Colonies to flourish, but also led to the policies that contributed to the unrest that caused the American Revolution, and the American Revolutionary War.

The Middle Colonies in the Colonial Era were New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Known as the “Breadbasket Colonies,” they were diverse in terms of government, culture, and society but had similar economies. Although they supported the ideals of the American Revolution, they were reluctant to support independence. However, they were four of the 13 Original Colonies that declared independence from Britain in July 1776, creating the United States of America.

The Middle Passage was a route in the Triangular Trade System that started in Northwest Africa, crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and ended in the Americas. The Middle Passage is most well-known for its use in the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the terrible suffering it imposed on imprisoned Africans who were sold into slavery.

The Navigation Acts, also known as the Acts of Trade and Navigation, were a series of laws that controlled trade and shipping in the British Empire. As the American Colonies matured, the laws were expanded to restrict manufacturing in America and enforce the Mercantile System. By the mid-17th Century, enforcement of the laws became a primary cause of the American Revolution.

The New England Confederation was an alliance formed by Puritan colonies in New England. The Confederation is most famous for being the first attempt at military and political unification by the American Colonies. The New England Confederation also claimed victory in King Philip’s War.

The New Jersey Colony was part of New Sweden, then New Netherland, before England gained control in the late 17th Century. Known for its diverse culture and society, the colony had economic ties to New York City and Philadelphia due to its close proximity and agricultural economy. In 1776, New Jersey joined the other colonies in declaring independence from Great Britain and establishing the United States of America.

The New Laws of the Indies (Leyes Nuevas) were reforms issued by King Charles V in 1542 to protect native people in the Americas from exploitation in Spain’s New World colonies.

The New York Colony was part of the Dutch colony called New Netherland before England gained control in the late 17th Century. Known for its diverse culture and society, the colony is most famous for its central role in the economy and politics of Colonial America. In 1776, New York joined the other colonies in declaring independence from Great Britain and establishing the United States of America.

Norsemen were Scandinavian seafaring peoples who, beginning in the late 8th Century, explored and settled parts of the North Atlantic, and briefly North America. Norsemen who sought conquest are referred to as “Vikings,” and they were the first Europeans to arrive in North America and establish settlements, including L’Anse aux Meadows.

North Carolina Colony was part of the larger Carolina Colony until 1712 when it separated from South Carolina. Known for its isolated location, the geography was dominated by forests and mountain ranges, which made it a prime location for the production of naval stores for the Royal Navy. In 1776, North Carolina joined the other colonies in declaring independence from Great Britain and establishing the United States of America.

The Northwest Passage was a legendary sea route through northern North America. During the Age of Exploration, it was widely believed that a water route existed that connected the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, allowing Europeans to reach Asia more quickly than traditional overland routes. Explorers sought the passage for more than 200 years, which contributed to the early exploration of North America and territorial claims of European nations along the Atlantic Coast.

Facts about the culture, society, and nature of Pennsylvania Colony, which was one of the 13 Colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. Pennsylvania started in 1681 when King Charles II granted a charter to William Penn to establish a new colony between Maryland and New York. The colony was a safe haven for Quakers, which Penn called his “Holy Experiment.”

The Pequot War was the first war in the New England area between English colonists and Native American Indians. The English won, nearly exterminated the Pequot, and took control of the Connecticut River Valley.

St. Peter's Church — Pieterskerk — in Leiden, Netherlands, is an important landmark related to the Pilgrim Fathers. When the English separatists moved to Leiden, they lived in the neighborhoods around the church, including Green Gate.

The Pilgrims lived in Leiden, Netherlands for almost 12 years. There are many landmarks, memorials, and sculptures dedicated to them throughout the city.

In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers left their home in Leiden, Netherlands. They sailed past this spot on their way to Delfshaven, where they spent the night before they boarded the Speedwell to sail to England.

This plaque marks the entrance to the alley where William Brewster lived in Leiden and published books through the Pilgrim Press.

This historical marker at Pieterskerk in Leiden provides a short history of the time the Pilgrim Fathers spent there.

The Planting of English America covers the growth and development of the British Colonies that were established in the Chesapeake Region and along the southern coast of America, including the West Indies.

Marco Polo was a Venetian traveler who spent nearly 20 years in China during the Yuan Dynasty. The account of his travels and time in China helped inspire Europeans to seek a westward route to the Far East.