Revolution

==== Alexander Hamilton was one of the leaders of the American Revolution. He played prominent role in Constitutional Convention, securing New York’s ratification of the constitution, and making the colony part of the union. Additionally, John Jay coauthored with Hamilton the Federalist papers. Although the colony consisted of more loyalists then patriots, the colony as a whole supported the action of becoming independent from Britain. ==== ==== When the revolution began, the British General Howe intended to capture New York. British forces drove Americans from Long Island back to Brooklyn heights, and it was a victory for Britain. A colonist army of 12,000 men on lower Manhattan was defeated by General Howe, and ended up taking control of New York City. The Battle of White Plains also took place in October, 1776. General Howe also captured Fort Washington, located in Manhattan, and the British forces maintained control of New York for the rest of the revolution. ====

==== By the end of the revolution, New York's economy began to change rapidly. The commerce and textile industry replaced agriculture as the dominant force of economy, and the colony became the nation's financial center. Railroads and other ways of transport for trade, such as the Erie canal, were completed in early 1800’s. This bolstered commercial dominance of the city. ====