16th Century Transformation

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Europe exhibited various transformations during the 16th century and 17th centuries, which allowed for total domination over the Atlantic world. Some of these changes that allowed Europe to be such a great source of power during this time were their determination in discovering new land, and formation of colonies that brought vast riches. In addition, the discovery of new land led to the beginning of slavery of the natives of from these lands, due to the desire for more economic growth. Furthermore, much of the 16th century was focused on the movements to convert everyone to religion of Christianity. Lastly, the establishment of the colonies and immense greed that led Europe to dominate the Atlantic World during the 16th and 17th centuries …show more content…
The British began searching for additional revenue, which come in the form of additional taxes on the colonist. However, the colonist felt that their assemblies had the right to tax themselves, and felt that if Britain continued to finance America then they would no longer be in control. This became a major source of conflict between Britain and the Americas, which was led mainly by the Sons of Liberty. Additionally, it also led to the Americas boycotting British goods. A man by the name of Charles Townshend led parliament to attempt to regulate taxes on the colonies, and again the colonist resisted. In 1774, the British government desperately wanted to control the colonies; therefore they passed a set of laws called the Intolerable Acts. These set of laws closed the port in Boston, the government, and also allowed troops into homes. The First Continental Congress met in 1774, which attempts to restore the self-government in the colonies. The colonists were defeated in 1775, after battle broke out in Bunker Hill. Additionally, the Second Continental Congress again convened in May 1775, and the colonists were deemed as rebelling against Britain. A gentleman by the name of Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet, which encouraged the colonist to break free from Britain. The colonist adopted a Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The British monarchy fell due to the colonist independence, and inability to collect taxes. In addition, the French monarchy fell due to financial issues faced from their involvement in the Seven Year War, and aiding the Americans during the American Revolution. Furthermore, there were crusades throughout the Transatlantic World between 1776 and 1830 to abolish slavery that began during the 16th century. The philosophical inspiration of the Enlightenment period was one of the main forces in the