American History 英美概况美国历史.doc

American History I. America in the colonial era II. The War of Independence III. The Civil War IV. America during the two World Wars I. America in the colonial era Who were the very first Americans? Who was the first one discovering the new continent? After whom was the new continent named? I. America in the colonial era 1.The very first Americans were Indians. They created their civilization, known as Maya civilization, dominating Mexico and Central America from 4th to the 10th centuries. They were the descendants of the Mongoloid (蒙古人种的) people in Asia. About 20,000 years ago, they traveled to the North American continent across the Bering Strait (白令海峡). 2. Christopher Columbus is believed to have discovered America. In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America. However, he believed he had reached India and called the natives Indians. In 1500, Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian navigator, also under the Spanish flag, drew the conclusion that what he found was a new continent. 3. The establishment of colonies Since the America was found, the Spanish established many colonies: Florida, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. In 1588, the Spanish Armada was defeated by the English navy，which put England in a better position to provide support for its New World colonies. 3. The establishment of colonies Between 1607 and 1733 the British established 13 colonies along the east coast of North America. These 13 colonies were established in different patterns: crown colonies ( 直辖殖民地), proprietary colonies ( 业主殖民地), charter colonies ( 特许公司殖民地), self-governing or compact colonies ( 自治殖民地或契约殖民地). 1) The first successful English colony in North America was founded at Jamestown, Virginia , in 1607. 2) In 1620, a group of Pilgrims sailed to the New World in a ship called Mayflower. They arrived at Plymouth, and built the New Plymouth colony in New England. These Pilgrims drew up the epoch-making Mayflower Compact (五月花契约), which was signed by all adult males on the ship.