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American Independence, National Unity
Brief thematic history of the U.S. from 1760 to 1815
In describing U.S. history from 1760 to 1815, I would have to title it as "The United States: The Formative Years." From the British indifference to her New World colonies, and the War for Independence; to the events before the Civil War, the United States formative years were ones of triumph, struggle and unity.
During 1763, up until 1775, the United States and Britain feuded over 'taxation without representation'. Like a child, the colonies had to break free from the mother country and find themselves and their independence, which they did in 1776 (U.S. History Timeline).
Thomas Payne said in his political pamphlet 'Common Sense' that "There is something exceedingly ridiculous in the composition of monarchy; it first excludes a man from the means of information, yet empowers him to act in cases where the highest judgment is required." Such influences allowed for the United States to find the unity to break-free.
Jefferson drafted up the Declaration of Independence and with that the United States became into it's own and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth. With the Land Ordinance in 1785, the colonists of America traversed the vast country to start a new way of life. Pioneer hardships are well documented, as well as the injustices caused against the Native Americans.
Inventors like Eli Whitney and the cotton gin paved the way for economic growth and the ability to 'play with the big boys' in the world arena. The United States was gaining the knowledge it would now need to improve its unity. The inner turmoil caused by the Bill of Rights was dividing the North and the South.
The history of the United States during 1760 to 1815 was a turbulent time, yet also one that allowed for growth, independence and prosperity. Much like a child growing with the guidance of a parent, America cast the apron strings of Britain and found out through experience and independent thinking how it could become the democratic country that it is today.
Bibliography
Payne, Thomas. Common Sense. Online. www.earlyamerica.com.8 December 2002.
US History Timeline.
Online. www.csuchico.edu/AmericanHistory.8 December 2002.
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