The Stuart sovereigns of England steadily attempted to strengthen their power, and the resistance to that effort caused an immense growth of Parliamentary influence.

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.

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

Everywhere among the English-speaking race criminal justice was rude, and punishments were barbarous; but the tendency was to do away with special privileges and legal exemptions.

In appearance the labor system of all the colonies was the same.

The participation of the people in their own government was the more significant, because the colonies actually had what England only seemed to have, - three departments of government.

England and France were rivals, not only on the continent, but in the West Indies, in India, and in Europe.