Page:The child's pictorial history of England; (IA childspictorialh00corn).pdf/188

 the kingdom, and travelling thus rendered safer and more expeditious. People were in general much better educated than in the preceding century, and all arts and sciences were greatly improved.

29. And now I will tell you something about the American war. The quarrel began about some taxes which the British government imposed on the Americans, to help to pay the expenses of the wars with France and Spain, which the Americans thought they had nothing to do with; and considered it unjust that they should have to find money towards paying for them.

30. British troops were sent out, to force them to obey the orders of the government; but instead of complying, all the colonies agreed to join together and fight for their liberty; and a very brave and good man, named General Washington, took the command of the American army.

31. This war lasted many years, and the French and Dutch assisted the Americans with troops, ships, and money.

32. There were many gentlemen in the English parliament who wanted to put an end to the war, by giving up all control over the Americans; but others would not consent, the king was unwilling to do so, till, at last, finding there