The 18th Century And Colonial America - 1461 Words

The 18th Century in colonial America was a time of change, both within the continent of North America and from the Old World that was Europe. Ever since the establishment of some of the first colonies, colonists viewed themselves as such: colonists. However, as the 17th Century passes into the 18th, and as the new century went on, colonists viewed themselves as something else: Americans. These Americans developed new beliefs that alienated themselves from their fellow Europeans, and as war escalated between France and Great Britain, this feeling was reaffirmed when these Americans came together to defend their colonies. Nonetheless, this sense of unity and self identity would not stop after the conclusion of the Seven Year s War, but it†¦show more content†¦These changes in basic language between the people of England shows that Americans in general were changing from their origins as they adapted to America, and these developments made the colonists develop a sense of diffe rence and identity. Major reasons for those to make the journey to the New World was for them to make a fresh start and gain material wealth through land, an option not available for those in Europe. North America was seen as a goldmine for making vast fortunes, and it attracted so many to its shores. Everyone saw this as an equal chance to make a living, for North America and the colonies promoted a sense of egalitarian and individualistic values in emigrating Europeans. Edmund Burke, an English Whig, was able to recognize these changing traits and values in colonists. In a desperate expression to halt the Stamp Act, he said to Parliament â€Å"Is there a single Trait of Resemblance between those few Towns, and a great and growing people spread over a vast quarter of the globe.† This politician was able to recognize that Americans in general were vastly different from Englishmen, for this can be contributed to their new views of equality and an individual being able to chang e their life for the better (Document B). Another thing that colonists â€Å"Americanized† was their government. Although their assemblies and governors could be seen as nearly exact replicas of the English, theShow MoreRelatedUp From Slavery : 18th Century Colonial America Under The Rule Of The British Empire1345 Words   |  6 PagesIn the documentary, Up from Slavery: 18th century Colonial America Under the Rule of the British Empire, the story of slavery begins on the coast of West Africa where thousands of African people are unceasingly enslaved and placed upon overcrowded ships on which they must endure the cruelest of conditions. Many did not live through the journey due to disease, malnutrition, or in some cases murder, such as the Zong Massacre where 132 slaves were thrown overboard in a monstrous act committed by theRead MoreOverview of Several Distinct Cultures in United States681 Words   |  3 PagesThere were several distinct cultures that existed within the U nited States of America during the 18th century, particularly in the early part of this century (No author, 2010). Despite the fact that European colonialists had been attracted to this land in earnest since the 17th century, there were still many tribes of the regions native inhabitants, Native American Indians, that still populated the country. Of the many cultural differences that existed between these two population groups EuropeansRead MoreMill Creek Entertainment Has Created The Film Series Up1160 Words   |  5 Pagesstruggles of African slaves and their resistance of the institution. The episode 18th Century Colonial America and Slavery of the series specifically details the lives of North American slaves. Out of the 12 million slaves taken from Africa, only 500,000 came to North America. With government legislation insisting that every child of a female slave becomes a slave as well, 500,000 quickly turned into 4 million. 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[During the boycott of English goods to protest colonial restriction], Thomas Jefferson imported British glass windows for his mansion at Monticello.†(Taylor 53) This is one example of the contradicting era of cultural development in 18th century America: the continuation of closeness to England, and the steady distancing of the American colonists from the British. For the majority of the 18th century, colonialRead MoreEssay Freedom: America’s Biggest Lie1437 Words   |  6 PagesFreedom: America’s Biggest Lie The bells of liberty and freedom have become symbols that characterize the patriotic nature of America. Our precious country was founded on these universal principles that have become â€Å"unalienable rights† of our Constitution. Freedom is more than the ability to express oneself – it is a manifestation of individualism, creative thought, and the inborn desire to think freely and innovate. 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