American Colonies

Definition

The American colonies were the British settlements in North America that later became the United States. These colonies were established starting in the early 17th century and eventually declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Related terms

Indentured Servitude: Indentured servitude was a labor system used in the American colonies before slavery became widespread. Indentured servants signed contracts to work for a specified period (usually several years) in exchange for passage to America or some other benefit.

Triangular Trade: Triangular trade (as mentioned earlier) played a significant role in connecting the economies of the American colonies with Europe and Africa through the exchange of goods, including enslaved Africans.

American Revolution: The American Revolution refers to the war fought between Great Britain and its thirteen North American colonies who sought independence. It resulted in the formation of an independent nation, known as the United States of America, breaking away from British rule.