In the late 1500s, Sir Humphrey Gilbert helped shape England’s early ideas about building colonies in North America. Unlike earlier explorers who focused mainly on discovery, Gilbert believed England should establish permanent settlements. Although his own efforts were unsuccessful, his vision influenced future English colonization, including later attempts in the New World. What You Will … Read more
In the late 1500s, England attempted to establish one of its first colonies in North America on Roanoke Island. Led by Sir Walter Raleigh and governed by John White, the settlement mysteriously disappeared. When White returned after a supply trip to England, he found the colony abandoned with only a single clue: the word “CROATOAN.” … Read more
Overview The period from European discovery to permanent settlement in the Americas marked a major turning point in history. Beginning with voyages like those of Christopher Columbus, European nations explored, claimed land, and eventually established colonies. Over time, these efforts shifted from exploration to settlement, as people built communities and created new societies. This transition … Read more
A Timeline Journey from First Voyages to the Founding of English America Introduction: A World About to Change In the early 1400s, most Europeans had never traveled far from home. The world beyond Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia was largely unknown to them. But over the next 200 years, bold explorers would set … Read more
