Specific Historical Developments in Europe and Africa That Shaped the Course of History - Essay Example

Discuss the ways in which specific historical developments in Europe and Africa shaped the course of history in the original 13 colonies from their foundations down to 1763. One of the historical developments that greatly influenced the development of the 13 colonies is the Seven Years War (1756-1763) – the first-ever global conflict involving major European powers: the alliance of France, Austria, and Russia against the alliance of Great Britain and Prussia. It was during this period that these European powers struggled over their colonies – the French and Indian War as Americans called it.

(Rickard, par. 1) While Prussia, financed by Great Britain, engaged France to war, weakening it to defend its colonies, Great Britain attacked French colonies in North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and India, where it emerged victorious particularly in India and North America. Britain also overpowered Spain in Florida. And so, with the resounding success of Great Britain, Northern America became the New England greatly populated by Englanders. (Purdy 1) Since those interested to move to America are religiously and politically persecuted and economically disadvantaged, only a few could finance their voyage to America.

Most came to America as indentured servants transported by ship captains who practically sold them to colonies. Others settled in America at the expense of colonizing agencies, for example, the Virginia or Massachusetts Bay Companies, in exchange for their labor at the span of 4-7 years at which end of the term they were given “freedom dues,” sometimes, with a small tract of land. (Butler, sec. 11) But as the demand for a large workforce of the labor-intensive plantations grew, slavery of Africans had been institutionalized.

African slaves were bought from their Chieftains at £14 in bartered goods but were sold at £45 in the American market. Gaining much from this lucrative business, British slavers resorted to kidnapping Africans. At its peak over 80,000 Africans were sold to America annually. (“Slave Trade,” par. 1-2)