Britain

Definition

Britain, also known as the United Kingdom, is a country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. In the context of AP US History, it's particularly important because it was the colonial power that established 13 colonies on the east coast of North America, which later became the United States.

Related terms

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

American Revolution: A war fought from 1775-1783 and won by 13 of Great Britain's North American colonies, which led to their becoming independent as the United States.

Treaty of Paris (1783): The agreement that officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized the sovereignty of the United States over territory bounded roughly by what is now Canada to the north, Florida to the south, and Mississippi River to west.