1) Introduction

Important Dates

1492                Christopher Columbus discovers North America.

1607                First permanent settlement planted. Jameston, Virginia.

1620                Pilgrim Fathers. 

1636                Harvard University founded.

1773                Boston Tea Party.

1776                The Declaration of Independence.

1861 - 1865     Civil War.

19^th century     Industrialization in the North.

                        Slavery in the South.

                        Pushing the frontier to the West. Gold rush.

                        Immigration from the east, especially Chinese.