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Britain's relationship with the colonies
British imperialism in America
Britain's relationship with the colonies
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North America in the early eighteenth century was split between the three major imperial powers of the time, Great Britain, France and Spain. This period was a crucial moment in the colonial history of these three powers due to the expanding nature of their colonies, constantly looking to grab more land and resources for the nation at home. However, before the turn of the century, Great Britain had gone from a few colonies on the east coast of the continent, with the smallest amount of land claimed, to owning the largest part of the New World and obtaining almost complete control over North America. This dominance was not caused by the downfall of France or Spain’s colonies, at least not through their own fault. But rather through Britain’s …show more content…
The absolute rule of the Royal Navy during the colonial period ensured that British convoys were able to reach their destinations fully intact, as well as protect valuable exports back to Great Britain. Along with their success at imports and exports, climates were much more conducive to living and growing conditions than those of French Canada, which allowed colonists to not rely as heavily on supplies from home and construct larger farms which supported the food supplies of colonies. The successes of the British colonies are clear, their dominance in naval warfare allowed for their ability to better supply their colonies, and the geographical location of their colonies allowed them to better supply themselves rather than wait on resupply from Great Britain. However, it is not entirely accurate to say that these are what caused Britain to better other colonial powers when facing similar hardship. It would be more accurate to say that the other colonial powers, France and Spain, lost the battle rather than Britain won it. Their methods were different, but the key difference lied in France’s inability to truly value its colonies. The British colonies not only were of large importance to the King of England, but they were also a beacon of hope and prosperity to the general population of the kingdom, which ensured their survival from the
When one looks back on the history of the British settlers in the Americas, there are many differences and similarities between those who settled up north in the New England colonies and those who settled down south. There are also differences in the way the north and south lived their lives, did their jobs, what their economic system was like and how the labor force was set up. Among these many differences there are some similarities as well. Those who left England sought religious and political freedom, as well as governmental and economic stability.
The British Empire has had a long lasting and strong influence on the American colonies for over three centuries. From the 16th century all the way to the 18th century, the British empire has held power within the colonies in terms of legislature, economy, and social stature. The British’s rule has been both a positive and negative driving force
Lefler, Hugh T., and William S. Powell. Colonial North America. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1973.
...le and Northern colonies, the Southern rivers did not freeze, therefore commerce was year round. The flip side to having a warm climate, is the increase in growth of bacteria and disease. Consequently, the Southern colonists faced a shorter life span. Women were often left widows leaving them the rights to their husbands' estate. Therefore, women had the opportunity and position to have more power. As a result of this warmer area, agriculture shaped the plantation colonies.
The French and Indian war took place between 1754 and 1763. Here between these nine years would serve as the blue print to America’s history and future. “What began as a struggle over territorial rights between British colonist and French settlers became part of an international war between the great powers” (Schwartz, 1). To truly understand the French and Indian war, many must take a look into the past events that caused the dispute between the British and the French. During the year 1498, the British claims to the continent were based on the London Company and the sailing of the waters under the rule of King James I. This is where the British company in the latter half of the seventeenth century, under the crown established a reign or province, extending from seas to sea.
Before the American Revolution, the trends of colonial history remained rather consistent. The European superpowers continued to expand, reaping exponential benefits from the nations in which they colonized. Thomas Bender argues that the American Revolution was not just a revolution for the people of the continental United States, but was rather the starting point of a continuous global revolution that inspired social change and governmental autonomy for the colonized people. Bender examines global trends in Central and South America, as well as Europe before America’s Declaration of Independence to demonstrate that prior to the American Revolution, the great powers of Europe ruled with minimal backlash, exploiting weaker nations for increased
Economic concerns of the British caused the colonization of British North America. Such economic concerns included the opportunity to acquire gold, silver, a North American waterway that would lead directly to China and the Indies, and the prospect of countering Spain's dominance in North America (Boorstin et al. 34). In addition to these economic reasons for colonization, the English were also seeking to obtain the essential "raw materials" in America that they had been previously buying from other European countries for exorbitant amounts of money and gold (Boorstin et al. 34). Great Britain also sought to solve other economic problems through American colonization. For example, England needed to replenish some of its diminishing materials and assets, generate another "market" to export its cargo and merchandise, maintain its powerful navy and "merchant marine" through business with new American colonies, and to provide a new place for the unemployed to settle rather than escalating populace/crime and the economic burden in its own cities (Boorstin et al. 34).
...d 18th centuries ended in an overwhelming British triumph.” (p.364). Britain now had complete control of the New England colonies of North America.
The British colonies in America were some of the most diverse, not only in environment and economy but also in culture and societal structure. Many claim that these four factors were intertwined and had direct effects on one another, especially the economy on the social structure. The two regions where these effects are most apparent are the Northern British colonies, those in New England, and the Southern British colonies. The basis for economic growth in North American-British colonies was one of the biggest contributing factors in the shaping of the social structure and culture of these different colonies.
The beginning of 1763 marked one of the major events that would contribute to the end of British colonial relations. On February 3, 1763 the French and Indian War finally ended in British victory, but while the British celebrated the French’s defeat, colonists feared the oncoming reverberations the war would have on them. The main motive behind the war was for possession over the French fur trade territory in North America. To the colonists, the war was being fought by and for Britain not the colonies. The benefits of the victory only pertained to Britain. The after effect of the war for the colonies was the trampling on their need for expansion. During the war, Native Americans had fought with the French because of how well they treated them. Britain was notorious for abusing the Native Americans, therefore once the French were defeated; they began attacking western settlements of colonists. To avoid confrontation, the Proclamation of 1763 was passed by Parliament. The Proclamation established a limit to the greatly needed colonial expansion. Specifically, the Proclamation forbid settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains. The passing of the Proclamation of 1763 infuriated colonists ...
The Dutch Republic were still the most powerful economy at the time, nonetheless, by limiting colonial trade to only Britain, London could develop as a key hub for shipping services and became a major port for colonial trade (specifically American). This allowed the British economy to develop at a rapid rate in comparison to its colonies and the rest of the world, as their ships were being used worldwide and London was favoured for shipping instead of the Dutch Republic. The British were therefore able to develop their Royal Navy, which (after the Anglo-Dutch wars) was made easier to do so as the Dutch weren’t allowed a navy above sixty percent the size of theirs, so Britain was able to capitalise and use their navy to sustain strong economic growth. Even Adam Smith, who led the ‘attack on the Mercantile system’ agrees that this had a positive impact on Britain’s economic development and navy. Smith writes, “As defence, however, is of much more importance than opulence, the act of navigation is, perhaps, the wisest of all the commercial regulations of England.” (Smith, 2017). He argues that defence is a higher priority than wealth, and that the Navigation Acts had a very positive effect on the Royal Navy, so for him (in some respects) it may be a wise
Will-The American Revolution completely rewrote the rules of warfare. Here are some advantages and disadvantages that both sides had during the war.
colonists defeated the British at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. This victory proved to the French that America was worthy of an alliance. Not only did the French supply the colonies with huge sums of money and arms, they also provided them with the best navy. The French helped the Americans win the battle at Yorktown by trapping the British with their navy. Without France’s support, the colonists would have been left floundering for freedom.
No other colonial master had a more extensive empire than Britain. The country put a
Therefore it was relevant to state why Britain became an imperial power, in order to consider the benefits achieved from gaining such power at that time. Industrialisation helped Britain at home and abroad, as she was able to maintain employment for the population, while further increasing trade upon world markets. The advantage to Britain gaining advancements in technology resulted in increasing trade between colonies and also generating further profits and increasing revenues. Therefore Industrialisation created a prosperous economy, while providing Britain with the tools of Empire. Britain’s economic ability and society initiated capitalists to take risks causing the British nation to expand, while creating financial stability. The surge in population also assisted as it was due to the influx of workers that Britain had the man-power to build on industry and trade, it also helped to create a consumption based society. The expansion of colonial territories helped to gain raw materials from other nations, creating further markets and acquiring safe naval and supply stations, which secured the nation. Colonial expansion also initiated Britain to take control and defend her nation. Free-trade initiated Britain as it was a pre-emptive attempt to protect their existing trade links, it also contributed towards a democratic culture in Britain. British politics