Timeline Trackers: America's Beginnings

Hundreds, even thousands, of years before Europeans arrived in North America, American Indians had made their homes here. These many groups adapted to the varied lands and climates of what would later become the United States. Each group developed its own culture and history. When settlers from Britain, France, Spain, and Russia arrived, the newcomers interacted with American Indians in different ways. Some engaged in trade, while others tried to enslave American Indian peoples or to take over their territories. Many conflicts arose as the different groups fought over land and resources. The colonization of their land changed the lives of American Indians forever. Explore the history of the many American Indian peoples who predated the United States. Track the important events and turning points that shaped their cultures both before and after the arrival of European explorers, traders, and colonists.

By the 1760's, most American colonists had become fed up with British rule. They were tired of the unfair taxes and not being able to create their own laws, and cries for revolution were ringing out across the land. As the revolution took hold, Thomas Jefferson drafted a document that formally declared the colonies' independence. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marked an important turning point in US history. Over the next five years, the colonists would fight to make their independence a reality. Explore the history of this important document. Track the events and turning points that led the colonies to declare their independence from Great Britain.

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.

In September 1783, the United States signed a peace treaty with Great Britain. This event officially ended the Revolutionary War. More importantly, it proclaimed the United States an independent republic. That republic faced many challenges in its early years. One big problem was its weak central government. It didn't have the power to deal with the country's money troubles or growing tensions among the states. The republic needed more authority to make decisions on behalf of all the states. But could such a government treat its citizens fairly? Representatives from each state met at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to answer that question. What happened next changed US history. Explore the history of the early republic. Track the important events and turning points in the development of the United States as a nation.