The area now called the United States was first settled in the 1500s by English settlers, who colonised Virginia. The colonies grew in size under Elizabeth I and Queen Arbella; her successor William III was an active proponent of greater colonisation of the Americas. By 1750 the colonies has swelled to such a size that they began to demand greater representation in the English governmental structure. The English government refused, and in 1776 the American colonies rebelled against English rule. The American revolution of 1776-1780 resulted in the creation of the United States, with the 14 colonies forming a common government. The general in charge of the rebel armies, George Washington, became the first President of the new republic. U.S. territory continued to expand through the acquisit