Introduction

Introduction

1. Background Information

   • Beginning and ending of US colonization:
     • 1942
     • 1776
   • Colonists of USA were European until the Declaration of Independence
   • Independence of the 13 British Colonies (present-day USA) sparked other independence wars across the Americas
   • Independence movements began in 1760s and ended in 1820s, and involved most of North and South America

2. What is meant by The Americas?

   • Similarities between all American countries
     • Same alphabet
     • Achieved independence at (roughly) same time
     • Predominantly Christian
   • Geographic isolation
     • From each other: by mountain ranges
     • From rest of the world: by two oceans
   • Indigenous population
     • Forms majority in some places
     • Largely wiped out in some places
   • 13 British Colonies became most powerful and largest state
     • Holds influence over the rest of the Americas