While it seems that the United States as we know it has existed for a very long time, the history of the formation of this country is far more extensive than may be common knowledge. In this article, we will go over a brief but extensive history of how the United States was formed and came to be as it is now.
North America, and more specifically, the United States, has seen a wide range of diverse occupants and population, in addition to changes in its sociological makeup and political structures. Before it was the residence of the thirteen British colonies, it was mostly inhabited by indigenous peoples. With the arrival of European colonization and the discovery of the land, immigration from many places around the world but especially Britain led to a population of nearly two and a half million settlers. Slavery also had a massive impact on the population number and diversity of people who would eventually make up the ancestors of those who live in the United States now.
The people at that time decided to move for independence from Britain for a myriad of reasons, predominantly unfair tax and governing practices. This caused what we know as the American Revolution, with incidents such as the Boston Tea Party becoming integral to what we know of American History. Many still famous figures, such as Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, contributed to the formation of the United States as it currently exists. Federal and state rules were set into place, and the foundations for the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were made a defining feature of the country. This was followed by various amendments, a bill of rights, and variations in rules and regulations that were specific to states.
And with the spread of ideas such as manifest destiny, people moved towards the West, thereby spreading the population further over the land, and, eventually, creating the borders as they are now. Then came the years long Civil War, in which the North and South of America were at war with each other over issues central to the American mindset: freedom.
It became clear to the people that without freedom for all, including that of the slaves, the idea of freedom and the basic foundation for the United States was lacking. The Civil War led to the end of slavery and was a milestone in the movement towards equality.
The history of America is not complete without acknowledgement of the many wars and conflicts that the country underwent, both on its own land but on foreign land too. As with most countries, it is ever changing and evolving with the times and the needs and understandings of its people. The United States was built on core values that are still integral to the country today – including the standard for a government by the people, for the people. And this, among its many other noble philosophies, gives reason to its citizens to always have hope for a better future.
