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Salutary Neglect
In the early 1700's, the British mostly left the colonies to govern themselves. The English Prime Minister Robert Walpole was very lax with enforcing his policies overseas. This time period is often referred to the era of "salutary neglect." [1] The English were too busy with matters at home to worry about the colonies. This left the colonies to operate on self government. Each colony governed themselves, on their own set of laws and ideals. -
Seven Years' War Ends
The Seven Years' War ended with the English as the victors. The British colonies won a large amount of land in negotiations. The colonists wanted to expand west, but Natives such as Chief Pontiac resisted to "drive them out, make war on them." [2]. To prevent further conflicts, England established the Proclamation Line, forbidding expansion past the Appalachians.[3] This would be the start of England trying to regain control over the colonies, bringing an end to their beloved self government. -
First Contintental Congress Meets
In response to colonial push back over imperial reforms such as the Stamp Act, the English government enacted the Declaratory Act in 1766. This reinstated Parliament rule over the colonies in all matters.[3] In 1774, the colonists had had enough and held the meeting of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. 12 out of 13 colonies attended, and proposed a boycott of English reforms.[3] This marked the first time the colonies would collaborate as a whole over government. -
The Declaration of Independence is Signed
On July 4th 1776, the Continental Congress met again in Philadelphia. On this date, America officially decided to separate themselves from England as their own country. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration was signed by many great minds from every colony, including Benjamin Franklin, Sam Adams, and John Adams.[4] To prevent future unjust governing, the Declaration states "any Form of Government becomes destructive," it is the "Right of the People to alter or to abolish it”.[5] -
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was finally enacted in 1781. The Articles were the first national constitution of the United States. It looked to "perpetuate mutual friendship and intercourse"[7] between the states. State legislature would vote on representatives to join the national Congress. This government was weak, at least 9 states had to agree to pass a law. Additionally, if a law was passed, individual states had the option whether or not to comply.[8] -
Treaty of Paris Signed, Revolution Ends
After Great Britain's defeat at Yorktown, peace negotiations began in Paris. Ben Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens were sent from the United States, while David Hartley and Richard Oswald negotiated on behalf of England. The Treaty of Paris signaled the end of the American Revolution, and the recognition of America's independence by the English. In return, America resolved to end persecution of British loyalists in America, and return property confiscated from them during the revolution.[6] -
George Washington Begins Presidency
In the late 1700's, there were two opposing political parties; the Federalists, and the Democratic-Republicans. In 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States. He and his Vice President John Adams, were both Federalists. Federalists believed that social hierarchy and property ownership were requisite to participate in politics. To them, women, blacks, and natives were unequal to white males. During this time, the Supreme Court was created, with six justices.[9] -
Thomas Jefferson Becomes President
Thomas Jefferson was part of the Democratic-Republican party, he believed in limited central government. Democrat-Republicans feared that a centralized government would push the United States to become like England. They believed in democracy, and promoting the good of the public. Unlike Washington and Adams, Jefferson believed that common men could make political decisions.[9] The transition from federalism to democracy in the United States government is known as "The Revolution of 1800."[9] -
References 1
- OpenStax, U.S. History, 2015, PDF e-book, chap 4.
- Pontiac, "The Master of Life Speaks to the Wolf." (1763)
- OpenStax, U.S. History, 2015, PDF e-book, chap 5.
- OpenStax, U.S. History, 2015, PDF e-book, chap 6.
- Thomas Jefferson, United States Declaration of Independence, (1776).
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References 2
- History.com Staff, "Treaty of Paris." History.com. 2009. http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/treaty-of-paris
- Continental Congress, Articles of Confederation, (1777)
- OpenStax, U.S. History, 2015, PDF e-book, chap 7.
- OpenStax, U.S. History, 2015, PDF e-book, chap 8.
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Image Citations 1
Emanuel Leutze, Washington Crossing the Delaware, (1851)
Arthur Pond, Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford, (1742)
Encyclopedia Brittanica Inc., The 13 American colonies in 1775, with the Proclamation of 1763 boundary line, (2015)
Allyn Cox, The First Continental Congress, 1774, (1973-1974), Architect of the Capitol
Thomas Jefferson, United States Declaration of Independence, (1776) -
Image Citations 2
U.S. Government, Department of the Post Office, Commemorative stamp, Articles of Confederation, 200th anniversary, 1977 issue, (1977)
Benjamin West, American Commissioners of the Preliminary Peace Agreement with Great Britain, (1783-1784)
Gilbert Stuart, Official Presidential portrait of George Washington, (1797)
Rembrandt Peale, Official Presidential Portrait of Thomas Jefferson, (1800)
