United States of America: the land of the free, home of the brave is the manifestation of sovereignty and democracy today. With its abundance of natural resources, successful economy, technological advancement and profuseness of opportunities, America is the greatest country in the world. Nonetheless, America does not come from a historical background of such progression. Instead, the nation of America is a concatenation of unpropitious circumstances. The foundation of the nation is solely based on affairs of hostility and conflicts. The history of the United States witnessed two events that proved to be a turning point for the cultural, political and social aspects of the country. In 1776, the American colonies terminated all its political affiliations with the Parliament of the Great Britain by drafting the Declaration of Independence which became a defining moment for the freedom of the colonists eventually paving the path to the Industrialization Revolution that completely changed America.
The aftermath of the Seven Years War put the British government in a scrutiny. The debt occurred from this war created political, economic and social tensions among the people of England. The British government now felt compelled to find ways to raise revenue. Taxation became the prime methodology used by the government to raise revenue. Intrinsically, the British government targeted the English colonies. In the attempt to help pay the debt and gain control over the American colonists, The British Parliament enacted the stamp act in 1765. This act was the first internal tax that was directly levied on the American colonists by the British government. The act required that all official documents including legal documents, newspapers, licenses etc. to be affixed by revenue stamps in the American colonies. This act was strictly enforced by stamp agents and the violation of this act could result in penalties. However, this act raised several protests by the American colonies as it was viewed unconstitutional. It immediately attacked the independence and commercial strength of the American colonies. The colonists were concerned that if this tax passed successfully, it can lead to further taxation in the future. Additionally, the British government passed the Quartering Act of 1765. Under these, the American colonies were required to provide housing to the British soldiers stationed in the 13 colonies of America. The presence of standing armies in their colonies grew concerns among the American colonists. This act being placed during the same time as the Stamp Act created unrest among the American colonies. Consequently, American colonies became victims to more taxes and restrictions.
Finally, the rebellious groups of the colonies motioned for a revolution. Ultimately, the American Revolution began. When the war was in its full swing, the American colonists finally claimed victory. The American leaders stated the self-evident truth in the Declaration of Independence that every man is granted unalienable rights by God himself. Among these unalienable rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Henceforth, the Declaration of Independence formed the backbone of the country of the United States of America.
During the end of the 18th century, Samuel Slater brought new manufacturing technologies to America from Britain. He founded the first U.S cotton mill in Beverly, Massachusetts. Soon after, the first intercontinental transportation system was formed. The rich natural resources of the United States of America brought tremendous new opportunities for a new wave of industries. The forests provided timber for construction as well as wooden products. Large quantities of coal and iron ore was eradicated from the ground. Many capitalists now had various opportunities for starting and expanding successful businesses. The United States government adopted new policies that promoted industrial development. Industrialization brought drastic changes to the American life. Traditionally, American manufacturing was restricted to small shops and homemade goods. Now, machines started to replace hand labor as the main source of manufactured goods. This shift started to increase the production capacity of America tremendously. Factory work provided higher wages for the workers. Many women could now be employed by companies. Having the ability to earn their own money proved to be liberating for many women. Consumerism reached an all-time high due to the declining prices of products and people’s ability to afford new things. United States of America truly became a land of opportunities after the Industrial Revolution.
Thereafter, the United States of America witnessed a steady flow of immigrants to the country that came in search of new job opportunities and a good lifestyle. America became the land of immigrants and turned into a melting pot that assimilated people from all over the world.
The drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the Industrial Revolution were truly the two most revolutionary events in the history of the United States of America. While the Declaration of Independence brought freedom and liberty to Americans from the oppression of the British Parliaments, the Industrial Revolution brought an influx of new opportunities for the America. These two events helped shaped the political, cultural, social and economic ideologies of the country. The significance of these events shaped the rest of the history of America.