Following a period of expanded sea exploration in the 15th century by European explorers the American continent started to be established as a trading opportunity but very quickly became something more permanent. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries Western European Powers expanded their reach into the Americas, establishing colonies and creating tension and conflict with indigenous populations which often resulted in persecution and destruction. Following the foundation of those colonies in North American there were further conflicts amongst the European powers for dominance and control of the new territories. While that was happening the colonists, in particular those in the developing cities and those of the political class began to demand greater freedom from the political interference, taxation and regulation of the sovereigns and governments back home.

Across Europe writers and thinkers were exploring ideas of political rights, democratic principles and responses to a developing society. This combination of home ideas and practical problems helped to drive calls for changes in the colonies, and eventually a desire for independence from the the Old World systems.

By 1775 some of the British colonies in North America were ready for open revolt and the American Revolutionary War started. While the fighting would continue for some years it would not take long for the British American colonies to work together to declare their independence in July 1776.

This year is therefore the 250 anniversary of American independence from Britain and the creation of the United States of America. Over the following centuries the USA has grown to cover much of the North American continent and become one of the world’s leading superpowers. To mark this anniversary we have brought together a number of resources from our archive that explore American history, society and culture, and our summer webinar series focuses on American culture and its impact.

We have also made available a keynote lecture by Professor Adam Smith given at our annual conference in May 2026. His talk addresses some of the most pertinent questions surrounding the 250 anniversary at a time when US domestic and foreign policy is under increasing scrutiny from the rest of the world due to many of the decisions that its political leadership make having far reaching consequences for global stability: 

• Keynote lecture: How (not) to historicise the contemporary United States – Professor Adam Smith

Year of Reading: American Independence

Celebrate the National Year of Reading with our selection of American authors and literature – find out more.  

Additional resources 

• The Historian 157: The United States (open access during July)
• HA classic pamphlet: The American War of Independence (open access during July)
• Film series: The African-American Civil Rights Movement
• A-level Topic Guide: USA in the 20th century (for Student members and Corporate Secondary members)