NB! George Washington was a rich planter from Virginia and a veteran of the Seven Years’ War. Later on he would become the first president of the USA.
July 2, 1776 – the Congress, headed by Thomas Jefferson prepared the text of the Declaration of Independence.
July 4, 1776 – the Declaration was adopted. It proclaimed the independence of the 13 American colonies from Britain.
September 1776 – the British troops seized New York
1777 – the British took Philadelphia
October 1777 – Battle at Saratoga
The British suffered a severe defeat and surrendered. After this battle France started to help the colonists against Britain.
1781 – Battle at Yorktown
As a result the British troops under the command of General George Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington and the French Fleet.
September 1783 – the Treaty of Paris
According to it, all the territory north of Florida, south of Canada and east of the Mississippi is free and independent = the USA. Britain had to recognize the independence of the former colonies. The war was officially over.
Results/ Consequences:
1) political
ü The colonies became free and independent state with its own government, army and navy, capital, president and money.
ü 1787 – the adoption of the American Constitution in Philadelphia.
NB! Throughout its history the text of the Constitution has never been changed, only 27 Amendments have been made. The Founding Fathers foresaw that perhaps with time the changes would be needed that’s why they put a point allowing amendments to be made. The first 10 have been made almost after the adoption (the Bill of Rights) and the last one, the 27th – in 1992.
ü 1789 - George Washington became the first president of the USA.
ü 1800 – the capital was moved from Philadelphia to Washington D.C.
2) exploration and colonization of the western lands
3) the growth of the population (a lot of people came from Europe searching freedom and new opportunities)
4) the development of industry
(for more details see Unit19 in “Hello, America!” p.109-112)
F) The Civil War/ the War between the North and the South (1861-1865)
Reasons:
1) social reasons
ü the question of slavery on the new territories
By 1786 slavery was prohibited on the territory north of Maryland, also the Congress enacted the Northwest Ordinance, which banned slavery in the new colonies formed in the Northwest Territory. In such away the North was turning into active anti-slavery supporter. The south still remained pro-slavery, because the slaves were needed to work on the plantations. Of course, they were against the policy of the North. So the question of slavery was the most disputed problem at that time, leading to quarrels and clashes between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery supporters.
1820 – the Missouri Compromise
It is the document which prohibited slavery on the territory to the north and west of Missouri, but permitted it on the territory of Missouri and Arkansas. It was one of the attempts to find a compromise to the question, which turned out to be a failure.
1850 – the Congress passed an Act, that allowed the southern slave-owners to catch and return their slaves from the free states.
1854 – the Congress again passed an Act, that permitted to settle on a large territory of Kansas and Nebraska and what is more the settlers were allowed to solve the question of slavery themselves.
This decision led to more clashes between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery supporters, which spread to other parts of the country.
| 1859 – John Brown tried to organize a revolt of the slaves. Unfortunately it was suppressed and John Brown was executed to frighten others. |
2) political reasons
1854 – the Republican Party was formed, which was composed from anti-slavery supporters. Abraham Lincoln became a leading figure in the party, besides he was also gaining favour with the society.
1858 – during the presidential election campaign Lincoln was often opposed by Senator Stephen Douglas, who was pro-slavery. The whole country was followed their speeches and debates.
1860 – the Republican Party one the elections and Abraham Lincoln became the President. This fact caused displeasure among the southerners.
December 1860 – South Carolina left the Union as a protest. In a few months 10 more southern states joined Carolina and left the Union.