The 13 Colonies

The 13 Colonies were British settlements established along the eastern coast of North America from the early 1600s to the mid-1700s. They consisted of colonies like Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, each with its own government but under British rule. These colonies developed distinct economies and cultures, primarily based on agriculture, trade, and later, industry. Tensions grew due to issues like taxation and lack of representation, culminating in the colonies seeking independence. In 1776, they declared independence from Britain, leading to the formation of the United States. The colonies' development laid the foundation for the nation's government, economy, and identity.