In comparison with other men of their time, the Americans were distinguished by the possession of new political and social ideas, which were destined to be the foundation of the American commonwealth.

The residence of the Plymouth settlers in the Netherlands, and the later conquest of the Dutch colonies, had brought the Americans into contact with the singularly wise and free institutions of the Dutch.

In 1763 the English were the most powerful nation in the world.

As often happens during a war, some parts of the country prospered, notwithstanding the constant loss.

On March 10, 1764, preliminary resolutions passed the House of Commons looking towards the Stamp Act.

Few characters in history are indispensable.

Washington's defeat in 1754 was followed by active military preparations on both sides.