Chapter 1

HISTORY OF AMERICA

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The New World (1492)

the Bering Strait ['beriŋ'streit] – Берингов пролив

Christopher Columbus ['kristəfə kə'l mbəs] – Христофор Колумб

Bahama Islands, Bahamas [bə'ha:mə 'ailəndz ,bə'ha:məz] – Багамские острова

Amerigo Vespucci [əmə'rigə vəs'put∫i] – Америго Веспуччи

America was discovered about 15,000 years ago, when a tribe of Siberians or Mongolians crossed a land bridge that joined Asia to Alaska. Later the natural bridge was covered with water, the Bering Strait appeared. So the continents were isolated and the migration stopped. Modern Europeans knew nothing about American continent till the 15^th century.

In 1492 Columbus, an Italian sailor, trying to find a new way to India, sailed westwards with three ships. It was a difficult voyage but in three months they landed on the Bahama Islands. Columbus thought that they were the part of India. That's why they were called West Indies and the red-skinned natives – "Indians".

In 1497 Amerigo Vespucci explored the coast of South America and proved that the land discovered by Columbus was not India. He is said to have discovered the American mainland.

For the next 100 years English, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and French explorers sailed from Europe for the New World, looking for gold, riches, honour and glory. But the North American wilderness offered early explorers little glory and less gold.

At the beginning of the 17^th century Englishmen established several colonies and called them New England. From the Atlantic coast colonists moved to the west of the continent. They became richer and stronger, but they were ruled by England.

At the end of the 17^th century the colonists started the War of Independence. It lasted eight years. In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson. Thirteen colonies declared themselves free and independent of England. The 4^th of July is considered to be the birthday of the American nation.

After the end of the War of Independence in 1783, 13 states were formed and they chose George Washington as their first president.

Check your comprehension.

1. Who were the very first settlers on the American continent? 2. Why did the migration of the Siberians stop? 3. When did the Europeans first know about the new land? 4. How did Columbus call the native people and why? 5. What part of the American continent did Amerigo Vespucci explore? 6. Who established New England colonies? 7. What did the War of the Independence result in? 8. What is the date of the American nation's birthday?

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