Question

Period 1 ends with the establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent British settlement in North America. Explain why 1607 is a major turning point in United States history.

Answer 1

1607 is a turning point in American history because it marks the beginning of England's colonization of the eastern seaboard in the North American continent. This initial settlement in Jamestown was small with a little over 100 English men. However, this would be the foundation for the 13 British colonies controlled until 1776.

The success of this colony resulted in the migration of thousands of British citizens to North America in hopes of a better life. Along with this, the initial settlement of Jamestown in 1607 would result in the beginning of the mercantilism system. This mercantilist system would result in enormous wealth and natural resources for the British Empire.

Answer 2

The turning point was the establishment of Jamestown, now in Virginia. This means that Europeans for the first time settled in the US, with the objective of staying - and they and their ancestors stayed to this day.

It is a major turning point because before it, the Americas were not inhabited by non-native Americans, and after this point, they were are continuing to be inhabited by Europeans and their ancestors.