Conquering America
History: KS3, topic 12.1.1
Conquering America
The Americas were discovered by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. Soon after, Britain began to colonise North America.
Discovery of the New World
- Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492.
- In 1497, John Cabot (funded by merchants in England) discovered Canada.
English colonies
- The first English colonies were founded by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1585.
- Raleigh’s colony had failed by 1607.
- But Captain John Smith had more success in his colony in Jamestown, Virginia.
Conquering European colonies
- In 1664, Britain conquered a Dutch colony called New Netherland with a state called New Amsterdam. The British renamed this New York.
- In 1763, Florida became a British colony.
The 13 Colonies
- By 1732, Britain controlled 13 colonies in North America.
Test yourself on Conquering America
When did Christopher Columbus discover the Americas?
What did the British call 'New Amsterdam'?