British Colonial America
British Colonial America refers to the period from the late 16th to the late 18th century when the Thirteen Colonies on the east coast of North America were under the control of the British Empire. This era is significant for the establishment of English settlements, the development of colonial governments, and the eventual push towards American independence.
Establishment and Expansion
- Jamestown: In 1607, the first permanent English settlement in North America was established at Jamestown, Virginia. This colony was founded by the Virginia Company, which was a joint-stock company chartered by King James I.
- Plymouth: The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in 1620, seeking religious freedom. They established the Mayflower Compact, which set a precedent for self-governance.
- Thirteen Colonies: Over time, thirteen distinct colonies developed along the Atlantic coast, each with unique characteristics, economies, and reasons for founding:
- New England Colonies (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire) - known for shipping, fishing, and trade.
- Middle Colonies (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware) - characterized by a diverse population and agriculture.
- Southern Colonies (Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia) - focused on plantation agriculture, particularly tobacco, rice, and indigo.
Colonial Governance
- Royal, Proprietary, and Charter Colonies: The colonies were governed either directly by the Crown (Royal Colonies), by proprietors who were granted land by the Crown (Proprietary Colonies), or under charters that allowed significant self-rule (Charter Colonies).
- Colonial Assemblies: Over time, many colonies developed representative assemblies like the Virginia House of Burgesses, which provided a degree of self-governance and were instrumental in fostering democratic ideas.
Economic Development
- Mercantilism: The British policy of mercantilism aimed to strengthen the British Empire by exporting more than it imported, leading to the Navigation Acts which restricted colonial trade to benefit England.
- Slavery: The institution of slavery became deeply entrenched, particularly in the Southern Colonies, with the growth of plantations.
Conflict and Independence
- French and Indian War: This conflict (1754-1763), part of the larger Seven Years' War, led to significant changes in British policy towards the colonies, including increased taxation, which sparked unrest.
- American Revolution: Discontent over British policies like the Stamp Act and Tea Act, along with philosophical ideas from the Enlightenment, fueled the push for independence, culminating in the American Revolution.
- Independence: The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, marking the formal break from Britain.
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