AI Overview
Before becoming the “United States of America,” the colonies were known as the United Colonies, or sometimes “British America,” but the formal name “United States” was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on September 9, 1776, replacing “United Colonies” in official documents, evolving from the spirit of the Declaration of Independence.
Key Names & Terms:
- United Colonies: This was the general term for the thirteen colonies as they united politically before independence, used up to mid-1776.
- British America: A broader term referring to all British territories in the Americas, but often used for the colonies in North America.
- The United States of America: Officially adopted on September 9, 1776, this name replaced “United Colonies” for official use, though the phrase “United States” was used earlier in the Declaration of Independence.
Timeline:
- Before 1776: Referred to as the United Colonies or British America.
- July 1776: The Declaration of Independence referred to them as “free and independent States,” leading to the “United States” concept.
- September 9, 1776: Congress formally resolved to change “United Colonies” to “United States” in all official instruments.
- Post-Independence: The full “United States of America” became the established name, symbolizing their new sovereignty.
