American History

The Atlantic System
British colonial supremacy in North America was due primarily to the creation of a commercial enterprise  the Atlantic System. This commercial framework was not just a system of colonial ports it was rather a system of colonies and markets in which the ultimate beneficiary was the island of Britain.

The creation of the Atlantic System in the 17th century facilitated trade and commerce between Europe and the Americas. Spain and Portugal controlled large colonies in the New World. Gold flowed from these colonies to the markets of Europe. Great Britain saw colonization of North America vital to the survival of the emerging English empire. Britain dominated the Malay-Africa trade route, after defeating the Portuguese and Dutch in several major naval engagements.

The real danger was in the Western edge of the route. Control of the Guinea-South African coastlines was necessary for the protection of the route. The advantage of this system is quite obvious. Great Britain could easily ship its goods from the ports at Malaya and India to London via this route. Raw materials could be transferred from Africa to the Thirteen Colonies  the emerging factor markets in the New World. Trade with both Britain and the East brought prosperity in the colonies.

The Atlantic system perpetuated even after the Second World War. British colonial possessions in South and Central Africa was consolidated via the Atlantic route to London. Indeed, the Atlantic system was not merely a commercial enterprise, it was the political foundation of the British Empire.

Causes of the American Revolution
The American Revolution was not simply an ideological revolution. Its causes were both political and economic in nature. To the historian, the conflict represented the triumph of democracy still to some, it symbolized the birth of a nation.

There were indirect and immediate causes of the American Revolution. The Seven Years War alienated many colonists. The British promised the colonial army (made mostly of colonists) land in Canada  which turned out to be a mishap in policy. Increasing British restrictions on trade, the imposition of martial law, and general economic restrictions fueled discontent. The passage of the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Tea Act of 1773 in the British parliament introduced new taxes.

The colonists were aghast with the situation. They demanded representation in the parliament as condition for the payment of regular taxes. When the British responded by sending a large army to the colonies, the colonists rose in open revolt. From a historical view point, the colonists knew that war with Great Britain was a very risky venture. However, foreign countries like Spain and France already promised military assistance should the colonies revolt (even before the war). In addition, a majority of the colonists opposed the new taxes. Thus, it would be relatively easy to swing the loyalty of the colonies.

The effects of the Revolution were both lasting and significant. Two centuries later, the Thirteen Colonies replaced Great Britain as the major trading power in North America. It has become one of the two superpowers during the Cold War  the wealthiest nation on the planet.