Fifteenth-century American discovery is one of the most important events in the history of the world. It was then ruled by various colonial powers, and after many ups and downs, British rule was established throughout the United States. In the eighteenth century, the United States gained independence from British colonial masters through the First Treaty of Versailles in 183. There is a long history behind this freedom. There is a long way to go between the discovery of America and the establishment of British rule and the long struggle for independence through America, which will be discussed in today's article.
Columbus's Discovery of America
Columbus 'discovered' America about five hundred years ago. Many people know the story of the discovery of the American continent. The Italian-born sailor Columbus made a bold proposal to the king of Spain in 147, saying that the earth was round, according to the theory that if ships sailed west from Europe, they could reach China and India. In April 1492, the Queen of Spain and King Columbus accepted the offer. He then sailed with three sailing ships and six sailors and finally reached the Bahamas Islands on the American continent.
Columbus returns to America
Columbus returns to America Source: britannica
He later went further by adding ships and gradually discovered countries like Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominica, Honduras and Panama and laid the foundation for the establishment of Spanish colonies. But until his death, however, he always thought that the places he had discovered were the outskirts of Asia. According to tradition, Columbus discovered the Americas on March 15, 1493. He, however, mistakenly thinks of this new continent as India, and considers the natives as Indians. Of course, Columbus did not discover a whole new continent. Because the Vikings are known to have traveled to this continent long before Columbus. However, it was Columbus who initiated Europe's imperialist, commercial and military relations with the Americas. (Source: BBC.com.uk)
The imaginary itinerary used by Columbus
Fictional route used by Columbus Source: BBC
British imperialism in America
In the fifteenth century, European countries spread all over the world. They used to travel to different continents mainly for business purposes. They chose waterways as the main mode of travel. They used to travel by sea in search of different regions. In this case the dominance of the Portuguese sailors was outstanding. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to discover and colonize Port Santo in West Africa in 1416. Then, under the leadership of Vasco da Gama, African countries began to be discovered; Of course, he also discovered the Indian subcontinent. By the end of the century, the Portuguese were no longer able to conquer the sea. Only then did Spain, newly liberated from the Muslims, move forward. They are also able to influence much of America. But at the same time England's inclusion in the sea voyage took place. England was primarily trying to weave a web of business through private companies rather than land acquisition. As did the East India Company. Expansion of power by slowly swallowing the whole economy without taking power directly.
The first arrival of the British in any place in America
The first arrival of the British in any place in America Source: Britannica
In 1498, however, John Cabot followed in the footsteps of the Portuguese and Spaniards and reached America. In 1556, the Muscovy Company was formed in England, which began trading in Africa. Many such commercial organizations were formed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Sir Hampani Gilbert, a skilled sailor at the time, set sail in 158 with a long plan. His main objective was to establish an empire in South America. But he did not have much success. In 1573, Hampani Gilbert, along with 270 associates, went missing in the North Atlantic with five sailing ships. This time they sent Sir Walter Releg to find a way to America via the Atlantic. After many ups and downs, in 1807 Britain was able to establish the first permanent colony at Jamestown. The British were able to convince the natives that they would not exploit the natives like the Spaniards but would benefit the natives by creating a new world by spreading trade and commerce. It also said that the British would not interfere in the religious affairs of the locals. There were other aspects to the establishment of the British Empire in America. Many countries in South America were in Spanish hands. Britain also wanted to expel the Spaniards by expanding their dominance in those areas. The present United States was a place of strategic significance. The vast Canada next door was in Spanish hands, which the British later occupied and were able to dominate until after World War I. Meanwhile, many lower and middle class Britons are migrating to America called "New World". Originally today's Americans, a large part of whom migrated from Britain.
The United States we see today is not what it used to be. Many may think that New York, California, Carolina seems to be the only city in the United States where we understand Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna. In fact, not every city is a country. The present United States consists of fifty such countries. However, in order to gain independence against the British, the thirteen states came together and formed a strong center and formed the federal system of government. It is good to know that each province is constitutionally completely independent. They can even leave the center through a referendum if they want. However, the British gradually began to swallow up the surrounding states centered on Jamestown, and Virginia fell completely into the hands of the British. Lord Baltimore was then approved to occupy Virginia's neighboring Maryland. It was later recaptured by the British government from the Calvert family. Then, in 1832, the Mayflower Compact was signed with the inhabitants of New England on certain conditions. As a result, under the charter, Massachusetts and Pertmouth fell to the British. New York, a Dutch colony, was annexed by the British in 184. James, who led the occupation of New York, later became King of the British, making New York known as the Royal Colony. Pennsylvania was the only German colony. The British were able to oust the Germans and establish their dominance there. The British Raj had been preparing for the occupation of Georgia and Carolina since 1829, but was able to seize it by 183. In this way the British gradually occupied the whole of Europe and established the rule of the British state.
Reasons for the American War of Independence
The present United States of America is the first country to be able to free itself from the hands of the British. The question is why America fought so hard to get rid of the British masters. The reasons can be discussed below-
British colonies in America Source: Briannica
First, there were thirteen British-ruled colonies in America before the War of Independence. These were 1. Virginia, 2. Massachusetts, 3. Maryland, 4. Rhode Island, 5. Comicut, 6. Delaware, 6. New Hampshire, 6. North Carolina, 9. South Carolina, 10. New York, 11. New Jersey, 12. Pennsylvania and 13. Georgia.
Although these were colonies of England, the colonists in many cases enjoyed internal autonomy. The English did not interfere in their internal affairs. Each colony had a legislature. Although the legislature was made up of representatives of the colonists, the legislature was governed by the governor and his council. They were recruited by England. These were the British monarchs in the colonies. As a result, there were often quarrels between the governor and the legislature. Democratic-minded colonists felt that England was undermining their right to self-determination through such a system of government. The British Raj has created an undemocratic system of governance with its own mind-blowing directives that is demeaning to Americans.
Second, England and France competed on the continent of North America during the Seven Years' War in Europe, 1757-63. France was defeated in this war, which ended in 173 with the Treaty of Paris. By this treaty, France ceded the vast colony of North America to Canada and England. The extinction of French power from North America erased French fears from the minds of the colonists on the one hand, and reduced their dependence on British power on the other. They became aware of their rights, demands and rights and sought to secede from England.
The seven-year war spread to Europe, America and Asia
The seven-year war spread to Europe, America and Asia. Source: wikipedia
Third, England's colonial trade policy was one of the reasons why Americans hated English. In the colonies the British government established the exclusive commercial right to trade and commerce. The colonists had no freedom in trade and commerce. They could not even trade directly with any other country. In 180 AD, the British government repealed the "Navigation Act" and caused great damage to American trade and commerce. According to this law, goods produced in England were punishable in the colonies. As a result, the way for expansion of trade and commerce in the colonies was closed. This policy of economic exploitation by the British government greatly offended the American people.
The rise of nationalism among the British
The rise of nationalism among the British Source: Wikipedia
Fourth, according to historians, America's distance from England and the rise of nationalism among the colonists were among the reasons for America's war of independence. So their English-like zeal, awareness of their rights and sense of nationalism especially motivated them to deny English supremacy.
Also to be cited as a direct reason is that from the mid-eighteenth century onwards, due to the costly and indebtedness of the seven-year and other wars, Britain sought to impose strict commercial control over the American colonies and disrupted civic life by imposing various taxes. For example: Sugar Act, Currency Act, Stump Act etc. cause extreme frustration in the minds of the people. As a result, the Americans embarked on a long struggle to free themselves from the British occupation
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Wonderful and informative article. Thanks for sharing it.