During the 18th century, New York City became one of the fast 1 commercial centers of the British colonies in North America. It subsequently became a center of 2 activities by American patriots. In 1776, American troops were forced to evacuate the city, which remained under British 3 until the end of the American Revolution.
From 1785 to 1790 New York was the seat of the US government. With the first stock exchange 4 in 1792 New York soon became the nation's 5 financial and commercial center.