英语国家社会与文化复习.ppt

Reasons for European Immigration Most European emigrants left their homelands to escape political oppression, to seek the freedom to practice their religion, or for adventure and opportunities. Between 1620 and 1635, economic difficulties swept England. Colonial expansion became an outlet for this displaced population. In the 1630s, arbitrary rule by Englands Charles I gave impetus to the migration to the New World. In contrast to the colonization policies of other countries and other periods, the emigration from England was not directly sponsored by the government but by private groups of individuals whose chief motive was profit. Important Figures of the Revolution George Washington (1732-1799): Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family. From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1775 elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. In 1781 launched the brilliantly planned and executed Yorktown Campaign against Charles Cornwallis, securing the American victory. Became the first President of the United States in 1789. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Born in 1743 into a Virginia planter family. Drafted the Declaration of Independence. Served as governor of Virginia, as U.S. minister to France, as secretary of state under George Washington, as vice-president in the administration of John Adams. Became the third President of the United States in 1801. Legislative Branch The Constitution invested the legislative power in the Congress, which is the only branch that can make federal laws, levy taxes, declare war, decide the government budget, establish a monetary system, put foreign treaties into effect, impeach the President, Vice President, federal judges, and all other civil officers. The U. S. Congress is composed of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate It consists of 100 members, two from each of the fifty states reg