Ars Bellica

INDEPENDENCE and COLONIALISM

Two universes separated from each other were forming in the American continent coming from the colonization of the sixteenth century. In Latin America they were rooted feudal economy and a system of power that reflected those force in Spain and Portugal. On the Atlantic coast of North America and English colonization prevalent than the French one, was organized on the basis of a strong political autonomy from the mother country and an equally strong religious mark. Even the economic systems differ profoundly: in the North manufactures, trades and large plantations of corn, tobacco, cotton, connoted an economy that could be self-sufficient if it had not been linked with London, the South agriculture gave no surplus for the export, while the silver mines were almost depleted and the demand for manufactured goods was satisfied only with the import. In the thirteen British colonies after the British conquest of Canada in 1763 following the Seven Years' War, became increasingly untenable the incongruity of colonialism that was granting political independence while imposed economic dependence. The same economic and demographic development, the climate of political freedom, the spirit of self-government sparked the revolt that erupted in 1776 in the Declaration of Independence. The war broke out last year led the American colonists the support of French, Dutch and Spanish, which was decisive for the final outcome of the conflict. The peace, signed in 1783 sanctioned the de facto recognition of the United States. It also defined the first line of the western frontier, on which a little later would have addressed the expansion of the American colonists and the new migratory currents from Europe. The first major area to be incorporated will be the Louisiana last survival from French colonialism in North America. The gradual shift of the frontier became a long-term goal of gradually charging of myths and political meanings. Finally appeared in the original model of state, federal and constitutional, adopted from the former British colonies. In it reflected the contractual conception of the state dating back to Locke and Rousseau as well as the principles of liberty, popular sovereignty, division of powers that were heritage of the Enlightenment.

Battles

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Your articles on Ars Bellica!

Write on the Ars Bellica Forum your essays and historical argument, collect acclaim from users and you will become our collaborator. Your articles will be published directly on this site! Do not waste time! Sign up, presented to the Forum and post your article.
   Go on "I miei articoli"