Digital History
Digital History: American Revolution: Introduction
The American Revolution included so much more than just the War for Independence. Read about why it was the first modern revolution and discover the principles that the American revolutionaries were fighting for.
Digital History
Digital History: Why Did the American Revolution Take Place?
A discussion of several characteristics of American society and American people that led to the decision of overthrow the aristocratic rule of Great Britain.
Digital History
Digital History: The Road to Revolution
A time line and explanation of the many events, including the colonists' interpretations of those events, that led to the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War.
Digital History
Digital History: The Revolution Begins
Perhaps if King George III had been attentive to the colonists' pleas, things would have turned out differently. Read about the siege of Boston by the British troops, and the "shot heard around the world."
Digital History
Digital History: Why Did the Colonists Rebel and the British Resist?
An interesting look at the make-up of Americans who supported separation from Great Britain, and some explanation of the push-back by Great Britain.
Digital History
Digital History: Declaring Indpendence
Read about the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence espoused by those brave souls who signed their names to the revolutionary document in 1776.
Digital History
Digital History: Was the Revolution Justified?
A terrific look at the twenty-seven specific reasons Thomas Jefferson cited in the Declaration of Independence and the support for those reasons of why the colonists felt justified in breaking the bonds with Great Britain.
Digital History
Digital History: The Revolutionary War
An overview of the military encounters in the Revolutionary War. Read about the lows and highs of the Continental Army, and the eventual defeat of the British.
Digital History
Digital History: How Were the Colonies Able to Win Independence?
A discussion of the several reasons the American colonies were able to defeat the head of the British Empire and become an independent country. See also a very brief description of how the Continental Congress paid for the war.
Digital History
Digital History: The Significance of 1492
A good look at what is known as the Columbian Exchange, the exchange of foods, disease, and even ideas between the New World and Old World beginning with Columbus' encounter in 1492.
Digital History
Digital History: The Black Legend
Read about the Black Legend which vilified the Spanish treatment of Indians they enslaved, resulting in the decimation of many Indian populations. Bartolome de Las Casas criticized the enslavement of Indians and suggested using African...
Digital History
Digital History: European Colonization North of Mexico
Although settlements by other northern European countries are mentioned, the primary focus of this article is on English settlements and the types of immigrants who came to the New World from England.
Digital History
Digital History: Spanish Colonization
Spanish culture had a great impact on the economy, politics, and even geography of the Southwest, California, and Mexico. Read about the Spanish settlements and the structure of the social classes that left an impact the continues even...
Digital History
Digital History: English Colonization Begins
Understand why the English saw opportunity in making settlements in the New World. After the stumbles in Newfoundland and Roanoke Island, read about the ultimately successful founding of Jamestown Colony.
Digital History
Digital History: Life in Early Virginia
A good description of the use of indentured servants in early Jamestown as a labor force to cultivate tobacco, the cash crop that saved the colony.
Digital History
Digital History: Founding New England
A brief look at Squanto, the Native American who aided the Pilgrims as they settled Plymouth Colony.
Digital History
Digital History: The Puritans
This article paints a picture of Puritans somewhat different from common myth. Read about their ideas of separation of church and state, and even their love of color.
Digital History
Digital History: The Puritan Idea of the Covenant
John Wintrhop's idea of the value of a covenant in social relations that was reflected in the development of the Puritan community.
Digital History
Digital History: Regional Contrasts
Read about the populations of the New England colonies as compared to the Southern colonies in the 1600s. See how the numbers of Native Americans decreased dramatically particularly in Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Digital History
Digital History: Dimensions of Change in Colonial New England
Dissension in Massachusetts Bay Colony resulted in the formation of other New England colonies. Read about their formations, and the impact on the Native Americans in the area.
Digital History
Digital History: Diversity in Colonial America
Read about the diversity in colonial America and the ways founders of colonies tried to encourage settlement in their colony.
Digital History
Digital History: The Middle Colonies: New York
Despite the title of this article, it discusses the settlement of New Netherland by the Dutch and explains the reasons for the settlement, and why settlers were not attracted to the area.
Digital History
Digital History: The Middle Colonies: William Penn's Holy Commonwealth
The Quakers were persecuted in England and in many English colonies. Read about William Penn's establishment of the colony of Pennsylvania where Quakers and others could live with religious liberty.
Digital History
Digital History: The Seven Years' War
A good overview of the French and Indian War, the part of the Seven Years' War that was fought in North America. Read about the reasons for the war, important battles, and the terms of the Treaty of Paris in 1763.