The discovered lands of America were valuable for the European countries, and many territories were colonized for a better trading system. Originally, colonization in North America was used to explain the expansion in different markets (Joshi 1). Two main reasons allowed the northern part of the American territory to stay fast-developing under the governance of another nation. Firstly, the exchange of raw materials was easy and well-regulated. Secondly, trading schemes allowed to make America more ‘civilised’ and ensured a quicker increase in technological development (Joshi 1). Even though the policies stayed the same across all colonized Europe lands, the distinction between the old and new worlds had appeared. While the cultural aspect of human lives remained similar, more opportunities, like an increased number of working places and the use of technology in everyday life, appeared (Joshi 2). Colonization of the American lands raised mercantilism as the representatives of the place were not selected for the governmental roles when British people came causing issues in trading and the increasing trend of slavery.
Trade Schemes in the United States
Trade agreements were always more beneficial for motherlands, and even though many crops were grown in America, local people could not use the harvest for their specific purposes. According to The American YAWP, only in the 18th century could local Americans only take credit and purchase goods they grew for European countries (4). With the growth of salaries, Northern Americans managed to afford the goods that used to be luxurious. The relationship between colonized and mother nations became more loyal, and this process was famous as the ‘consumer revolution’ (The American YAWP 4). Money payments were not popular due to the inability to ship papers over the ocean. Consequently, the main trading payments were tobacco or nails. Americans adjusted to this scheme and paid more attention to the financing sector to buy British-made products for the same type of payments as other Europeans. Nevertheless, the ability of Americans to adjust to complicated situations did not help to solve the problem of standardization of the currency. Paper money was depreciating quickly, and the weight of coins did not allow traders to conduct profitable deals.
Colonization Freedom
European countries have always followed the rules of democracy and wanted to build this strategy in colonized territories. Consequently, they allowed people living on American lands to participate in different elections and participate in decision-making processes (The American YAWP 4). Even though Europeans controlled their distant locations, American society became freer than European society. This aspect has led people to build more social groups based on different interests and make more progressive inventions. The decreasing control over American lands has caused the separation of laws and regulations. For example, according to The American YAWP, political structures have been divided into provincial, proprietary, and charter categories (4). While in some parts of these regulations, British people showed their intensive influence, other territories were left to themselves.
Influential Wars in Colonized Territories
The political situation in the United States has been unstable for many years, and conflicts related to the exaggeration of authorities caused the development of wars. Before the division of federals and republicans, the level of corruption was significant, and lawyers in courts played a significant role in this illegal process (Scott and Rosati). The relationships between the United States and the United Kingdom became better and more efficient at the end of the 18th century (The American YAWP 4). However, the tension has increased between France and United Kingdom because of the inability to divide territories. French soldiers were winning on the lands of North America by burning cities built by British people. Only peace treaties helped to stop the war, and the United Kingdom had to give some part of the USA to the French.
Another war that changed the history of the United States is Pontiac’s War, which the parties caused against the influence of Europeans on the US. The American YAWP stated that the opposition believed that eliminating people from Europe and their politics was the only way to get to heaven (4). Indigenous Americans acted aggressively in relation to British forts and settlements. However, lack of preparation and food crushed aggression for a long time.
Colonization Effect on the Modern World
The United States of America received its independence, and British leaders could not participate in serious decisions made in this country. Nevertheless, the effects of colonization can be seen these days and greatly affect the modern generation. For instance, People in the USA continue using English as their primary language taught in schools and universities. Moreover, the problem of racism is one of the common topics in the US, which takes root in the times of slavery (Clayborne, S29). Many social movements are created to fight against the consequences of discrimination against African Americans. Consequently, even though colonization does not influence the US these days, people can meet the habits or problems carried out throughout time.
Works Cited
Clayborne, Elizabeth P. “Racism, not race: A physician perspective on anti-black racism in America.” Hastings Center Report, vol. 52, no. S1, pp. S29-S31.
Joshi, Aparna. “The Factors of Colonisation.” Age of Discovery, Web.
Scott, James M. and Rosati, Jerel A. The Politics of United States Foreign Policy. CQ Press, 2020. Web.
The American YAWP. Stanford University Press Edition, 2022. Web.