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Understanding how American democracy developed requires knowing a few of the more interesting pieces of American history as they relate to how they shaped the beliefs and attitudes of Americans. Why did the colonists move from civilization to America at great personal cost? What beliefs did they bring with them? What conditions did they encounter? How did they govern themselves? And then, what caused the estrangement from England?
There is no limitation intended on the time period to which articles in this category should belong. However, the time period from the end of hostilities between England and France in 1763 and the ratification of America's Constitution belongs to American Independence and Federalism and Democracy.
Topics to write about:
1600 to 1760:
- conditions in England
- Colonial charters (had a large effect on colonial expectations for self rule)
- the generous reliance on local government allowed American colonies by the English - before 1760.
- the first Virginia Charter
- the next charter
- and the next, etc.
- the price of being first (i.e., one of the first colonists, who had a very high mortality rate)
- the character of the Americans (what kind of person left England for a wilderness, and why?)
- our Common Law heritage (something that was repeatedly cited by colonists as their due)
- the role of religion and religious freedom - a couple of surprises.
- the attitude of England's Parliament to colonial commerce, its regulation and taxation. It started as one thing and developed into another. 1763 was a turning point.
1760 to 1800
- The English no longer turn a blind eye (but seek to enforce former Acts as well as the more restrictive new ones)
- A few key acts of Parliament
- The King and his advisors are over their head (they completely misjudge the colonists and their needs)
- Independence was off the table until July 1776 (for the large majority)
- The founders were scholars - and America their fortunate beneficiary.
- Equality of Condition among Americans
After 1800
This portal is the place to assign categories and pages that present and discuss the historical shaping of the United States.
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Morgan's Raiders entering Washington, Ohio in August, 1863
This Civil War image is a placeholder.
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