English imperialism was driven by a number of factors, including land expansion, political and military power, nationalism, and security. However, the central aim was to compete with other European powers. The expansion into the Americas allowed for greater leverage over other European nations as it provided England with resources, political influence, and land. Settlers that had financial or other influences had also partaken in the moves to the Americas in order to escape the control of the royal family and the current government.
Similarly, a number of social motivations existed for the colonization of North America. These primarily included religious, financial, and nationalistic ideals that urged the expansion into the continent. Necessity was a specific factor of welfare and the economy that currently existed in England. Goods from Asian nations had become an integral component of overall economic operations, but due to a rise in Ottoman power between the trade routes, the overall process was under threat (National Geographic, 2020). Shipbuilding and other means of travel had also seen substantial improvement and evolution. As such, an expansion towards the Americas was the initial response of many European nations, particularly England which suffered from overpopulation. Furthermore, the religious differences caused puritans to flee England to escape persecution. Thus, pilgrims and puritans were pressured to come to America in order to practice religious freedom.
English Colonies in America Table
Though even minor events had contributed to the American Revolution, there are a set of primary historical events that were most influential in its instigation. The Boston Massacre of 1770 had made obvious cultural and social issues even more significant. During a disagreement between an English soldier and an apprentice, a conflict was initiated (Kiger, 2019). It had concluded with British soldiers firing and killing a number of Boston residents that they had been at the center of the argument. The Boston Tea Party, which occurred three years after the massacre, was substantial in highlighting the economic issues faced by the colonists and the lingering economic structure imposed by the British occupiers.
Furthermore, the major idea leading to the American Revolution is sourced from the European Enlightenment movement, which challenged irrational church dogma. Enlightenment philosophers questioned the rights of rulers and advanced the development of ideas of freedom and equality. Thus, as free English men, American revolutionaries demanded equal rights and an end to the unfair taxation system. European Enlightenment ideas served as the basis for the formation of the American government in the future.
Native American populations had become more open to western settlers through trade and manufacturing. Similarly, the mercantilism economy had come to an end. However, socially and politically, much change had yet to occur as settlers still governed in a hostile manner and held territorial claims that were unfair. The revolution profoundly changed the institution of slavery that many African Americans were subjected to. Within the War of Independence, many slaves had won their own freedom and at the end of the revolution, certain slaves were manumitted while others had run away. Still, not all freedoms were available for African Americans, and social and political ideals continued to oppress them.
A number of social and legal freedoms for women had emerged from the revolution. These included liberty to divorce, property ownership, business ownership, and a right to vote in New Jersey. Similarly, many women had joined their husbands in the military actions of the revolution where they had partaken in support of soldiers or even amidst battles. Overall, much social reform was still to occur in order for women to continue observing the improvement of their rights.
References
Kiger, P. J. (2020).7 events that enraged colonists and led to the American revolution. History.
National Geographic. (2019). Motivations for colonization. National Geographic.