Here's a breakdown:
* Early 17th Century: The first permanent English settlements in North America were established in the early 1600s, like Jamestown, Virginia (1607) and Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620).
* Colonial Era: Throughout the 1700s, English was the dominant language in the colonies, used in government, commerce, and daily life.
* American Revolution and Independence: The Declaration of Independence (1776) was written in English, solidifying its status as the official language of the new nation.
* Expansion and Development: As the United States expanded westward, English spread across the continent, though other languages were also spoken by indigenous populations and immigrants.
It's important to note that while English is the primary language of America, there are many other languages spoken throughout the country due to its diverse immigrant history.