By the end of the 15th century European adventurers had discovered the New World and guessed its potential. The consequences of that meeting were enormous. This unit examines the engagement of Europe with the New World, geographically, politically, economically and intellectually. We will consider the exploration of Spain, France and The Netherlands but concentrate on the settlement of British North America. Topics covered include: discovery of the New World, encounters with native people, slavery, witchcraft, early settlement, cultural growth and eventual political separation in Revolution. The unit ends with the War of 1812 and the confirmation of independence for the United States of America.