The First British Empire began taking shape in the early 17th century through English settlements in North America and the Caribbean. Key events included the founding of Jamestown in 1607, establishing England's first permanent settlement in North America, and the establishment of the East India Company, which helped Britain greatly expand trade with Asia. During this time, from 1583 to 1783, slavery also became the basis of the British Empire in the West Indies, with Britain responsible for transporting over 3.5 million African slaves to the Americas until the abolition of the slave trade in 1807.

1. "First British Empire"
By: Tom Blanton

2. 1583–1783
• In 1578, Queen Elizabeth I granted a patent to Humphrey
Gilbert for discovery and overseas exploration.
• In 1603 King James VI of Scotland controlled the English
throne and in 1604 negotiated the Treaty of London, which
ended hostilities with Spain.
• The British Empire began to take shape during the early 17th
century, with the English settlements of North America and
the Caribbean
• The establishment of the English East India Company helped
the British Empire greatly to trade with Asia.

3. America
• England's first permanent settlement in the Americas was
founded in 1607 in Jamestown.
• In 1624 the direct control of Jamestown was assumed by the
crown, founding the colony of Virginia.
• In 1620, Plymouth was founded
as a haven for puritan religious
separatists, or Pilgrims.
• Many other British colonies were
formed in America in the 17th century

4. Beginning of Slavery
• In 1672 the Royal African Company received from King Charles
a monopoly of the trade to supply slaves to the British
colonies of the Caribbean
• Slavery became was the basis of the British Empire in the
West Indies
• Until the abolition of the slave trade in 1807, Britain was
responsible for the transportation of 3.5 million African slaves
to the Americas