Who authorized the change in spelling where the z is substituted with an s and when did this happen?

Answer 1

The only thing I have heard on this matter is that using the "s" is the British way of spelling. But since when do Americans start changing their school spellings for the British? We all grew up learning to spell "recognize", "customize", "categorize", "demonize", and so on with a "z". Since Obama has destroyed the constitution, does this mean that we never defeated the British and took control of this nation?

Answer 2

No single person authorized the change in spelling from "ise" to "ize" where the z is substituted with an s. This change occurred gradually over time and is now more common in American English, while British English tends to favor the "ise" spelling. The shift began to occur more prominently in the early 20th century.