British America

British America

British America refers to the territories in the Americas that were under British rule or influence from the late 16th century until the early 19th century. These territories included colonies on the eastern coast of what is now the United States, parts of Canada, and various islands in the Caribbean.

History

The history of British America began with the establishment of the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. Over the next century, the British established numerous colonies along the Atlantic coast, including Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.

In the north, the British took control of parts of Canada following the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 and the Treaty of Paris (1763), which ended the Seven Years' War. This included the acquisition of Quebec and other French territories.

In the Caribbean, British America included islands such as Jamaica, Barbados, and the Bahamas. These islands were crucial for the sugar trade and were heavily reliant on enslaved labor.

Economy

The economy of British America was diverse, with the northern colonies focusing on trade, shipbuilding, and fishing, while the southern colonies were heavily agricultural, producing tobacco, rice, and indigo. The Caribbean colonies were primarily focused on sugar production.

The Triangular Trade was a significant aspect of the economy, involving the exchange of goods and enslaved people between Africa, the Americas, and Europe.

Society

Society in British America was varied, with a mix of indigenous peoples, European settlers, and enslaved Africans. The colonies were often characterized by a rigid social hierarchy, with landowners and merchants at the top and enslaved people at the bottom.

Religious diversity was also a feature, with Puritans in New England, Anglicans in the southern colonies, and Quakers in Pennsylvania.

Independence and Legacy

The American Revolution (1775-1783) led to the independence of the thirteen colonies, which became the United States of America. The remaining British territories in North America were reorganized into what is now Canada.

The legacy of British America is evident in the cultural, legal, and political systems of the United States and Canada, as well as in the continued influence of British culture in the Caribbean.

Also see

• Thirteen Colonies
• American Revolution
• British Empire
• Colonial history of the United States
• History of Canada