Chapter Info (Click Here)
Book No. – 9 (History – World History)
Book Name – A History of Modern World (Jain & Mathur)
What’s Inside the Chapter? (After Subscription)
1. Geographical Condition of the Colonies
2. The Colonial Culture
3. Position of America before the Revolution
4. Causes of the American Revolution
4.1. Ideas and Principles
4.2. Negligible Interference by the British Government
4.3. No Affection for England in the Colonies
4.4. Development of Intellectual Awareness
4.5. The Colonists’ Love for Freedom
4.6. Defective Administrative System
4.7. Impact of Seven Years’ War
4.8. Economic Exploitation of the Colonies
4.9. Stern Policy against the Colonies – New Taxes
4.10. Immediate Causes
5. Declaration of Independence
6. Significant Events
7. Paris Pact (03 September 1783)
8. The Constitution of America
9. Causes of the Failure of the English
10. Nature of the Revolution
11. Freedom Struggle or Revolution?
12. Significance of the American Revolution
13. The Constitution of America
13.1. Conflict between Political and Economic Interests
13.2. Characteristics of the American Constitution
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American Revolution and American Constitution
Chapter 2 – II
The credit for popularizing democracy globally is attributed to the American War of Independence.
The USA was subjugated by Great Britain in the early 18th century but ideals of freedom and equality emerged strongly in Europe and America in the 18th century.
Between 1775 and 1783, events and ideas led to the birth of a new nation through the American War of Independence.
The war was a struggle to gain freedom from British sovereignty and oppose stringent colonial policies.
The immediate cause was the imposition of undue taxes on the colonists by Britain.
The Americans were unwilling to remain under British sovereignty, especially after 1763 when Britain increased control through new policies.
Colonization began with support from Queen Elizabeth; King James I allowed the London and Plymouth companies to establish colonies.
In 1607, under Captain Christopher Newport, the James Town colony was founded by the London Company in Virginia, the first English colony in America.
By 1775, there were 13 British colonies: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Population in these colonies was 90% British, with 10% Dutch, Germans, French, and Portuguese.
Colonists faced harsh conditions, including a 5000 km Pacific Ocean crossing, resistance from native Red Indians, and difficult terrain covered with dense forests and wild grass.
Europeans stayed in America despite hardships for several reasons:
To escape wars of genocide in Europe.
To avoid being sold as slaves in wars to the rich and governing classes.
To earn profit and escape political torture and religious persecution.
To enjoy religious freedom and worship freely without pressure from the Church or ruling classes.
Puritans established Plymouth colony near Massachusetts, and William Penn and Quakers founded Pennsylvania.
Despite religious differences, colonists shared unity due to discontent with European systems.
Political reasons for immigration included defeat of Stuart dynasty supporters in the English Civil War during Charles I’s reign, who then emigrated to America.
The autocratic rule of German rulers also pushed Germans to settle in the American colonies.
Geographical Condition of the Colonies
From a geographical perspective, American colonies are divided into three regions: North, Middle, and South.
North colonies: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island; characterized by hilly and snowy regions; not suitable for cultivation.
Middle colonies: New York, New Jersey, and Maryland; had highly developed industries; mainly produced wine and sugar.
South colonies: North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia; had a hot climate suitable for cultivation; chief products included food grains, sugarcane, tobacco, and cotton.
The Colonial Culture
Two main reasons contributed to the emergence of a hybrid culture in the American colonies.
Settlers came from different regions of Europe and belonged to various sects.
The colonies had different forms of government and distinct laws.
Varied sources of livelihood existed among the people.
A special culture developed, blending various elements from these differences.
People faced common problems and sought joint solutions, leading to gradual reconciliation of differences.
This resulted in a specific culture that, while resembling European culture, was unique and significant.
Position of America before the Revolution
There were thirteen English colonies from Maine in the North to Georgia in the South.
Between 1713 and 1763, many English, Scottish, German, and French immigrants settled in these colonies.
Prices of American products like wood, leather, tobacco, sugar, copper, and fish rose rapidly in England and Europe, increasing American wealth.
This 50-year period of continuous prosperity enhanced the status of Americans globally.
American journals like Gazette and The New York Reporter became popular and in demand in Europe.
Several famous universities such as Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown were established before the Revolution.
Important American cities during the Revolution included Boston, New York, Jamestown, Charles Town, Savannah, and Philadelphia, which played key roles in the struggle.