11/25/2025

French Control of New Orleans
- Initially, French territory may have been ceded to Spain, but
- French settlers remained in New Orleans.
- Continued conducting business and owning properties.
- Outcome: Minimal changes in governance and local affairs.
Spanish Settlers in Florida
- When British took over, they invited Spanish settlers to remain. However,
- Spanish settlers refused and returned to Spain on British ships.

Key Outcomes
- The British actions post-war sowed seeds for the American Revolution.
- Britain emerged as the world's largest colonial empire.

War of Austrian Succession
- Coalition: Prussia, France, and Russia against Great Britain and Austria.
Transformation by Seven Years' War
- Coalition shifted to Prussia and Great Britain versus Austria, France, and Russia.

Emerging Middle Class and Trade
- There was a notable increase in trade and industry,
- Foreshadowing the Industrial Revolution (1780-1790 peak).
- Wealth generation driven by trade and commerce fostered desires for expanding the empire.

Role as Prime Minister
- Became Prime Minister in 1757 and oversaw significant British Empire expansion.
- Controlled vast territories including all of Canada and lands east of the Mississippi River.

British Empire Structure
- Governed by monarch and parliament with shifting power dynamics.
- Parliament had pronounced control over finances, law-making, and budget passage.
Colonial Perspective
- Each colony held its own representative assembly which resisted intervention from the monarchy or parliament.
- Belief that taxation should occur only with approval of local assemblies.

Founding Chaos
- Established in the 1600s amid political upheaval in England (civil wars, monarchy restorations).
- Caused a self-reliance and autonomy among colonies, creating distinct political identities.

Financial Burden of War
- Britain sought to recuperate expenditures by taxing colonies.
- Colonist viewpoint: viewed taxes as exploitation without representation, further exacerbating tensions leading to crises.
Colonial Reaction and Declaration of Independence
- July 4, 1776: Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, infused with Enlightenment philosophy regarding life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
- Jefferson’s original clause for slavery abolition was removed under pressure from Southern colonies.

Challenges of the Thirteen Colonies
- Colonies perceived as underdogs against the British Empire's might.
- Development of alliances become crucial, particularly with France.
French Involvement
- Motivated by desire for revenge against British post-Seven Years' War and support for Enlightenment principles.
- French aid included military forces and supplies, culminating in joint victories such as the one led by generals Rochambeau and American forces.

Acknowledgment of Independence
- Treaty provisions included British recognition of American independence and territorial rights extending from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River, excluding Canada.

Development of a National Identity
- Initially, allegiance remained strong to individual states rather than a unified American national identity.
- Post-war organization required consensus among colonies to address defense needs.
Government Structure Formation
- Established three branches:
- Executive Branch (Managed by the President): Enforce laws, act as Chief Executive.
- Legislative Branch (Bicameral):
  - House of Representatives: Term of 2 years, directly elected, based on population density.
  - Senate: Specific structure not detailed, but also essential to legislation.
- Judicial Branch:
  - Supreme Court as the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution, enforcing it as the supreme law.
Bill of Rights Controversy
- Concerns raised by states regarding unaddressed rights in the original Constitution, leading to the development of the Bill of Rights approving stakeholder interests, including property rights and natural rights.

Political Participation
- High rates of voter turnout and engagement in political discourse among eligible citizens, who actively participated in elections and rallies, demonstrating robust civic awareness and engagement.