America's early colonial period

Definition

The time period from the arrival of European settlers in North America in the 1600s until the American Revolution in 1776. It encompasses the establishment of colonies, interactions with Native Americans, and the development of self-governing institutions.

Related terms

Native Americans: Indigenous peoples who inhabited North America before European colonization. They had diverse cultures and were impacted by interactions with colonists.

Self-governing institutions: Organizations or systems within colonial communities that allowed residents to make decisions about local matters without direct interference from England.

Colonial assemblies: Representative bodies established within each colony where elected officials debated and passed laws on behalf of their constituents.