Chapter 2 Early US History and the Constitution

Chapter 2 Early US History and the Constitution

Initial Colonizing Efforts Roanoke Island Company- Sir Walter Raleigh (1580) first English outpost in North America “lost colony”- Raleigh’s captain returned in 1590 and was unable to find the colony. No one knows what happened Jamestown (1607)- not a commercial success 105 men: 67 died in the first year Farmers sent by the Virginia Company to create a trading post Settlers created a representative assembly

Separatists- first New England colony in 1620 Group who wished to break with the Church of England. Sailed on the Mayflower and landed at Plymouth (Mass. ) Men created the Mayflower Compact- created to maintain order since they were suppose to be in Virginia, but landed north (used for public order) The compact was not a constitution, but a political statement that the settlers would submit their authority to. Significance: depended on the consent of the affected individuals, served as a model for future compacts

British Restrictions/Colonial Grievances Conflict began in 1760 s-British gov’t decided to raise revenues by taxing the American colonies. King George III required the colonies to help fund the French and Indian War 1764 - Sugar Act and Stamp Act (internal taxation) Americans boycotted British goods- Boston Tea Party 1774 - Parliament passed the Coercive Acts “Intolerable Acts” Colonists responded with First Continental Congress