Outstanding Events from the History of America

The first voyages along the coast of modern South and Central America were made by Amerigo Vespucci. That is why, in the 16th century German cartographer named this fourth part of the world after the explorer. At the beginning of the 17th century European colonies were founded on the territory of the modern USA.

In 1620 first colonists landed at Plymouth Rock. They came from England on board the "Mayflower". Most of them were Puritans or former Anglicans who were called pilgrims. Their hopes were connected with the promises of the Bible about the land "of honey and milk", and America was thought to be this land. Later on Dutch, Spanish and Swedish colonies appeared.

People who came to America were mostly farmers, who wanted to exploit new lands. The development of trade, industry and agriculture in the colonies constantly conflicted with the economic policy of Britain. After constant pressure on the colonies on July 4, 1776, the Second Congress declared the Colonies to be independent of Great Britain.

The new state was called the United States of America and July 4 became its national holiday. The Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. the Battle at Saratoga in 1777 when the Americans forced a large British army to capitulate, was a turning point in the long War for Independence. In this war the Americans were supported by France.

In 1783 Britain finally recognized American independence. At the beginning of 1861 the Southern states left the Union and founded the Confederation. That was the beginning of the war between the South and the North. The results of the war were the abolishing of slavery and establishment of "Indivisible union of indivisible states" The states lost their right to leave the union.

The 1930s were the years of Great Depression in the USA. Franklin Roosevelt set up government organizations called agencies. They found work for people, gave money to help the unemployed and homeless and helped the nation to recover from the Depression.