Introduction
The history of the United States of America (USA) is rich in events and impacts imposed by European countries from 1550 to 1763. The American land was poorly investigated and governed, which allowed other powerful nations to impose their rules and standards and use locals for their purposes and benefits. I want to discuss three main events in European exploration, conquests, and colonization.
First, the Pilgrims’ arrival in 1620 inspired future colonists in the USA. Second, the French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years’ War, from 1756 to 1762, was the result of colonization imposed by European countries. Finally, the Treaty of Paris, signed in 1763, ended the British-French contest for control of the American land.
In this essay, I will use three sources as evidence to support my opinion and choice. Lecture notes will explain the Pilgrims’ intentions to establish the first Plymouth Colony, “what is now Massachusetts” (Lec: Puritans, Pilgrims, Witches). Professor Miller explains the causes and outcomes of the French and Indian War (Doc: Growth and Empire). In the book, much information about the chosen events can be found to prove their inevitability and influence on America (Text: Ch. 4). The analysis of the Pilgrims, the War, and the Treaty shows a sequence of meaningful historical changes and contributes to a better understanding of how the USA became what it is today.
The Arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620
At the beginning of the 17th century, Native Americans experienced one of the most unexpected and influential events in their lives: the arrival of the Pilgrims. This group included religious separatists who sought religious freedoms far from England. They were obsessed with the idea of the New World, where they could establish and follow their life beliefs. In September 1620, the first 102 Pilgrims crossed the Atlantic, sailed on the Mayflower ship, and landed on Cape Cod, although they intended to reach the continent’s northern region. William Bradford was chosen as the governor of a newly founded Plymouth Colony; he signed the Mayflower Compact with 40 other men to explain a rationale for colonization and cooperation (Text: Ch. 4).
The Pilgrims wanted to be separated from the world because of their negative attitude toward an official religion in England, so, they called themselves “Separatists” who supported “plain living in a godly community” (Lec: Puritans Pilgrims Witches). Despite the challenges of new land, including unfortunate weather conditions and food scarcity, the Plymouth Colony survived and developed its best resources. Within a short time, the Pilgrims improved their economy through farming, fishing, and shipping. They strengthened their religious ideas and incorporated them into the government. This arrival and successful growth of a new community served as a good example for other nations that considered the American land suitable for future colonization.
The French and Indian War (1754-1763)
Over the next century, many countries began exploring the North American continent to expand their colonial influence, which led to the French and Indian War in May 1754. France and Britain were two powerful nations in the 18th century, and they could not solve their conflict over present-day western Pennsylvania (Text: Ch. 4). They also wanted to gain control of modern Ohio and Virginia territories and developed new trade relationships with Europe, using the resources of the American land. The French built strong forts from Canada to Ohio to “prevent English encroachment,” while the British sought to strike first and ensure their enemy had little time to recover (Doc: Growth and Empire).
Although the Seven Years’ War was a reasonable step for the French and the British to identify their boundaries and areas of impact, it was difficult for Native Americans to be a part of the conflict. Both parties used local tribes as their allies, which meant the possibility of splitting the nation. In addition to available natural and human resources, financial support defined the outcomes of the War. William Pitt was a member of the British Parliament who donated much money to defeat the Catholic French and support the British forces (Text: Ch. 4). After seven years of devastating fights, France retreated, and the victory of the British Empire established its univocal control of the desired territories.
The Treaty of Paris (1763)
After the current events and losses, it was necessary for local Americans and their only colonizer, the British Empire, to legally define their rights and responsibilities, as embodied in the Treaty of Paris of 1763. The document was signed by the representatives of Britain, France, and Spain to declare the end of the War and outline new conditions for international relationships. On the one hand, the Treaty of Paris was “a dramatic reversal of fortune for France” (Text: Ch. 4). There was no way out of the current situation, and France had to give up its empire in North America. On the other hand, it was a good opportunity for Britain to strengthen its ties with most of the American colonies. The colonists did not hide their “jubilant mood” because they could replace the harsh Catholic order with liberal Protestant views (Doc: Growth and Empire). However, at that moment, it was impossible to predict the Treaty’s actual impact on United States and British colonization.
That event was used to divide the colonies and establish the ultimate power within the region. Still, the British government was not ready for new troubles caused by increased debt, new reforms, stress, and strain in the Empire (Text: Ch. 4). Native Americans got a chance to analyze the power of collaboration and military strategies to get ready for change and strive for independence.
Conclusion
Most events chosen for analysis occurred in different periods, namely in different centuries. Still, they produced the same impact on the USA and prepared the locals for another step toward their freedom. The arrival and experience of the Pilgrims in 1620 demonstrated that North American citizens could survive under terrible conditions and constant change.
The French and Indian War showed how Native Americans could use their skills and resources to fight against the enemy. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 was a logical outcome of the military conflict, in which one party lost everything and the other assumed new obligations. Colonists admired their victory and missed the moment when another break led by George Washington and Benjamin Franklin was approaching (Doc: Growth and Empire). European colonization was inevitable for the USA, but it could not last forever because local powers gained recognition quickly, and it was no longer possible to ignore the presence of invaders on American soil.
References
Corbett, P. S., Precht, J., Janssen, V., Lund, J. M., Pfannestiel, T., Vickery, P., Waskiewicz, S. (2021). U.S. history. OpenStax.
Growth and empire [Video]. (n.d.). Annenberg Learner.