Notes on the Formation of the USA and Historical Context of Great Britain

Formation of the USA
  • First English Colony: Virginia (1607) established by the British.
  • Competition with France: During the Seven Years' War (1756 - 1763), Britain gained control over Canada, increasing tension and competition.
  • Population Growth: By the mid-18th century, there were 2.5 million settlers in the northern colonies.
    • Demographics: Settlers were primarily immigrants from Great Britain, Ireland (for religious reasons), and the Netherlands.
  • Economic Activities:
    • Northern Colonies: Focused on manufacturing and agriculture (farms).
    • Southern Colonies: Heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly plantations employing enslaved Africans.
  • Governance:
    • Colonies managed by elected representatives alongside a governor appointed from Great Britain.
    • Economic dependence on Britain required colonists to purchase goods only from Britain and export products like cotton, tobacco, and rice through British channels.
  • Military Presence: British military presence in colonies due to the threat from neighboring French colonies, continuing even after the war.
    • Funding for military supplied by colonists.
  • Taxation and Resistance:
    • 1765: Introduction of the Stamp Act (a tax on printed materials) which fueled colonial dissatisfaction.
    • 1773: Boston Tea Party resistance against British goods; led to open revolt.
  • Continental Congress:
    • 1774: First Continental Congress held in Philadelphia, formation of a colonial militia led by George Washington.
    • 1776: Second Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson) on July 4, marking the birth of the USA.
  • International Support: European nations (France, Netherlands, Spain) financially aided the rebels during the war.
  • Conclusion of War: War ended in 1781 with colonial victory; Britain officially recognized the USA in 1783.
  • Formation of Government:
    • 1787: Drafting of the US Constitution establishes distinct government branches with the presidency led by George Washington.
Great Britain in the 18th Century
  • Colonial Expansion:
    • First English colony in North America was Virginia (1607).
    • Gains over the Spanish colonies: Bermuda, Bahamas, Jamaica (producing sugar).
  • 1704: Capture of Gibraltar during the War of Spanish Succession.
  • Formation of Great Britain: Union of England and Scotland in 1707 created the Kingdom of Great Britain.
  • Political Structure:
    • Dominated by two main parties: Tories (landowners) and Whigs (business owners).
  • Economic Prosperity: Driven by international maritime trade; internal stability during the 18th century.
  • Seven Years' War (1756-1763): Participation led to gains in Canada and dominance over French competition in India and West Africa.
  • Slave Trade: Significant profits from the trade of enslaved Africans as cheap labor in American plantations.
  • Industrial Revolution:
    • 1770s: Initiated by technological advancements including power looms.
    • Expansion of manufacturing sectors such as textiles and iron, leading to urbanization and manufacturing centers like Manchester, Birmingham, and Sheffield.
  • American Revolution: Occurred between 1775-1781, ultimately resulting in the independence and establishment of the United States.
Early Colonial Ventures in the Pacific
  • Late 1780s: Initiation of colonization of Australia begins with the first expedition of convicts.
    • First Colony: Sydney.
  • Colonization of New Zealand follows shortly after Australia.