Changes

==Unification of the 13 colonies==

==Unification of the 13 colonies==

===A common defense===

===A common defense===

One event that reminded colonists of their shared identity as British subjects was the [[War of the Austrian Succession]] (1740-1748) in Europe.  This conflict spilled over into the colonies, where it was known as "[[King George's War]]"; most of the fighting took place in Europe, British colonial troops attacked French Canada.

One event that reminded colonists of their shared identity as British subjects was the [[War of the Austrian Succession]] (1740-1748) in Europe.  This conflict spilled over into the colonies, where it was known as "King George's War"; most of the fighting took place in Europe, British colonial troops attacked French Canada.

At the [[Albany Congress]] of 1754, [[Benjamin Franklin]] proposed that the colonies be united by a Grand Council overseeing a common policy for defense, expansion, and Indian affairs.  While the plan was thwarted by colonial legislatures and [[George II of England|King George II]], it was an early indication that the British colonies of North America were headed towards unification.  This enabled former Whigs in Britain to become Tories and former Tories in the colonies to become Whigs.

At the [[Albany Congress]] of 1754, [[Benjamin Franklin]] proposed that the colonies be united by a Grand Council overseeing a common policy for defense, expansion, and Indian affairs.  While the plan was thwarted by colonial legislatures and King [[George II]], it was an early indication that the British colonies of North America were headed towards unification.  Franklin did not give up; more than anyone, he invented the idea of a United States of America.

 

The [[French and Indian War]] produced prosperity, as royal officials hired American troops and sent in well paid British troops. The French were defeated, and the British took Canada. Most important, the military threat from any foreign power ended, and the colonies no longer needed the protection of the Royal Navy. The British army handled Indian affairs on the frontier, so Indians were no longer a major threat to the Americans.

===Great Awakening===

===Great Awakening===