A developing nation

Throughout history there have been many significant events and people. These events and people were the foundation for the development of a nation. The obstacles that were faced by those that settled and developed America were not only on unknown soil but were centered on the unknown in general. During the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries there were people and events which I believe influenced history and were turning points in the development of a great nation. A significant point in history which occurred during the 17th century was in 1607 when Jamestown was settled along the Chesapeake Bay. Jamestown was sponsored by the Virginia Company which was seeking to expand European nations and find an acceptable route to the Orient. Problems for the settlers began shortly after establishing the colony. Relations with the Indians led by Powhatan were extremely weak. Additionally, the settlers were not prepared for the climate which they ventured into and were unprepared for their first winter in Jamestown. Supplies were limited and the settlers were mostly upper class Englishmen which were unfamiliar with farming techniques. The settlers at one point abandoned Jamestown to return to England but were persuaded to return to Jamestown when they were intercepted by ships carrying additional manpower and supplies. This event is significant because if the settlers had not been persistent and willing to experience further difficulties the Jamestown settlement may have failed and history may have taken another route. Also during the 17th century slavery was further introduced to the colonist who had established themselves in America. Slavery in America was another extremely important turning point in American history. The colonist knew that if they were going to sustain themselves in America they would need labor to complete the task of farming on the plantations. The solution for the colonists was slavery. African slaves were first brought to America in 1619. During the