Here's a breakdown:
Historical Context:
* Early American English: American English initially followed British spelling.
* Noah Webster: In the late 1700s, American lexicographer Noah Webster advocated for spelling reforms in his dictionary. His goal was to simplify spelling and make American English more distinct from British English. He believed that simplifying spellings would make it easier for Americans to learn to read and write.
Key Spelling Differences:
* Dropping "u" from words ending in "-our": Webster advocated for dropping the "u" in words like "colour", "humour", "honour", etc., making them "color", "humor", "honor".
* Simplifying other spellings: He also simplified other spellings, such as changing "centre" to "center", "theatre" to "theater", and "defence" to "defense".
Reasons for the Changes:
* Simplified spelling: Webster believed that simplified spellings would make English easier to learn and use.
* National identity: Webster's reforms were also seen as a way to promote American identity and independence from British influence.
Persistence of Differences:
* British English maintained traditional spellings: While Webster's reforms were largely adopted in the United States, British English continued to use traditional spellings.
* Divergent evolution: Over time, the two varieties of English continued to evolve independently, leading to further spelling differences.
In Summary:
The differences in spelling between American and British English are a result of Noah Webster's efforts to simplify spelling and create a distinct American English. While some of Webster's reforms were adopted in the United States, British English continued to use traditional spellings, leading to the divergence in spelling that we see today.