Historical factors behind the creation of united states of america - Creation, War, Slavery & Republic
Colonial Background: The American colonies were initially established by European powers, primarily England, for economic and strategic purposes. The colonies developed their own systems of self-government and grew accustomed to a certain level of autonomy.
Enlightenment Ideals: The Enlightenment period in Europe, particularly in the 18th century, had a profound impact on the thinking of American colonists. Ideas such as natural rights, individual liberty, and social contract theory promoted by philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau influenced the colonists' perception of government and their rights as individuals.
British Policies and Acts: Over time, tensions grew between the American colonies and the British government. Policies such as the Navigation Acts, Stamp Act, and the Townshend Acts, which imposed taxes and restricted colonial trade, were met with resistance from the colonists. They felt that these measures violated their rights as English subjects and undermined their economic interests.
The American Revolution: The American Revolution (1775-1783) was a pivotal event that ultimately led to the creation of the United States. The revolution began as a response to British attempts to exert control over the colonies and escalated into a full-scale war for independence. Influential documents like the Declaration of Independence (1776) articulated the colonists' grievances and their desire for self-determination.
Formation of a New Government: Following the American Revolution, the 13 former colonies had to establish a system of governance. The Articles of Confederation were initially adopted as the first constitution, but they proved ineffective in providing a strong central government. This led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where the Constitution of the United States was drafted, creating a framework for a federal government with a system of checks and balances.
Compromises and Founding Fathers: The process of creating a united nation required compromises between states with different interests. The Founding Fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, played instrumental roles in negotiating and shaping the structure of the new government. Compromises such as the Great Compromise (which resolved the dispute between large and small states regarding representation in Congress) and the Three-Fifths Compromise (which addressed the issue of counting enslaved individuals for representation) were crucial in unifying the states.
The United States did acquire Mexican territories through a combination of military conquest and diplomatic negotiations. Here's a brief overview of the events:
Texas Revolution (1835-1836): The conflict between American settlers in Mexican Texas and the Mexican government led to the establishment of the independent Republic of Texas in 1836. The Republic sought annexation by the United States, which was realized in 1845.
Mexican-American War (1846-1848): The primary cause of the war was the dispute over the border between Texas and Mexico, with the United States claiming the Rio Grande as the border, while Mexico argued for the Nueces River. The conflict escalated, and the United States declared war on Mexico. The American forces achieved several military victories and ultimately occupied Mexico City.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the war and resulted in Mexico ceding a significant amount of territory to the United States.
Gadsden Purchase (1853): The Gadsden Purchase was a diplomatic acquisition of additional land from Mexico. The United States paid Mexico $10 million for a strip of land in present-day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, which was intended for a potential southern route for a transcontinental railroad.
Slavery played a significant role in the development of agriculture and industry in the United States during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Slavery was an integral part of the economic system in the southern states, where large-scale plantation agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, was the dominant industry. Slaves were primarily used as laborers on these plantations and in various industries across the country.
In agriculture, slaves were employed in the cultivation and harvesting of crops, such as tobacco, rice, sugar cane, and especially cotton. They performed grueling manual labor in extreme conditions, working long hours in the fields, often under brutal treatment and without proper living conditions. Their labor was essential for the profitability of these plantations, as it allowed large-scale production and the accumulation of wealth for plantation owners.
In the industrial sector, slaves were employed in various industries, including mining, ironworks, construction, and manufacturing. They worked in mines extracting coal, iron, and other natural resources, contributing to the growth of the mining industry. Slaves also labored in iron foundries, blacksmith workshops, and factories, where they operated machinery and performed skilled and unskilled tasks.
The economic prosperity of the southern states heavily relied on the forced labor of enslaved individuals, which allowed for the accumulation of wealth and the expansion of industries. The profitability of slave labor enabled the southern states to export agricultural and industrial goods, such as cotton and textiles, to domestic and international markets, contributing to the growth of the national economy.