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British Colonization

Definition

British colonization refers to the establishment and expansion of colonies by Great Britain during the 16th to 20th centuries. In North America, this included thirteen colonies that later became the United States.

Analogy

Imagine British colonization as a popular franchise like Starbucks spreading its outlets all over the world. Each outlet (colony) serves familiar coffee (British culture and governance), but also adapts to local tastes.

Related terms

Thirteen Colonies: These were British colonies on Atlantic coast of North America founded between 1607 (Virginia) and 1733 (Georgia). They declared independence in 1776 and formed United States.

Puritans: A religious group from England who wanted to purify Church of England; they established Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629 as a model "godly community".

Jamestown: The first permanent English settlement in Americas, founded in Virginia in 1607 by colonists sponsored by London Company.