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British and revolution: 1665-1783
This period began with the establishment of English rule over formerly Dutch New Amsterdam and New Netherland. As the newly renamed City of New York and surrounding areas developed there was growing sentiment for greater independence. Leisler's Rebellion, an uprising in which militia captain Jacob Leisler seized control of lower New York from 1689 to 1691, occurred in the midst of Britain's "Glorious Revolution" and reflected colonial resentment against the policies of King James II, who in the 1680s decreed the formation of New York, New Jersey and the Dominion of New England as royal colonies, with New York City designated as the capital. This unilateral union was highly unpopular among the colonists. Royal authority was restored in 1691 by British troops sent by James' successor, William III. The event introduced the principle that the people could replace a ruler they deemed unsuitable; uprisings against royal governors sprouted throughout the colonies.
In 1754 , Columbia University was founded under charter by King George II as King's College in Lower Manhattan.
The site of modern Greater New York City was the theatre of the New York Campaign, a series of major battles in the early American Revolutionary War. After early success in that campaign the city became the British political and military center of operations in North America for the remainder of the war. New York was greatly damaged twice by fires of dubious origin during the British military rule that followed. Nathan Hale was hanged in Manhattan after the Battle of Long Island (also known as the Battle of Brooklyn), the largest battle of the entire war. In addition, the British began to hold the majority of captured American prisoners of war aboard prison ships in Wallabout Bay, across the East River in Brooklyn. More Americans lost their lives from neglect aboard the prison ships than died in every battle of the war, combined. British occupation lasted until November 25, 1783. George Washington triumphally returned to the city that same November 25th, as the last British forces left the city. The Continental Congress met in New York City under the Articles of Confederation, making it the first national capital of the United States.
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