Key Events in Early American History

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Virginia Company

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A joint-stock company that funded Jamestown in 1607

Its goal was to profit through colonization

Early example of private investment in American colonies.

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House of Burgesses

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First elected assembly in colonial America (1619).

Gave white male landowners a voice in government.

Set a foundation for American democracy.

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John Smith

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Helped save Jamestown with strict leadership.

Forced settlers to farm and maintain order.

Famous for connection to Pocahontas.

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Bacon’s Rebellion

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1676 rebellion by landless settlers in Virginia.

Led by Nathaniel Bacon against Governor Berkeley.

Resulted in a shift from indentured servants to African slaves.

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Mayflower Compact

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1620 agreement made by Pilgrims before landing.

Early example of self-government.

Based on majority rule.

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Pilgrims

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Separatists who left England for religious freedom.

Settled Plymouth in 1620.

Created Thanksgiving tradition with Native Americans.

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Sons of Liberty

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Group that protested British taxes like the Stamp Act.

Used propaganda, protests, and boycotts.

Samuel Adams was a major leader.

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Whig Principles

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Belief in limited government and consent of the governed.

Supported colonial resistance to British rule.

Influenced ideas like 'no taxation without representation.'

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Bill of Rights

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First 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution (1791).

Protected individual rights (speech, religion, etc.).

Promised to satisfy Anti-Federalist concerns.

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John Marshall

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Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (1801–1835).

Strengthened the federal government.

Established judicial review (Marbury v. Madison).