British Policy and The American Colonies

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Changes in British policies toward the colonies between 1750 and 1776 played paramount in the evolution of relations between British North America and Mother England. Tension between England and the colonies mounted from the conclusion of the Seven Years’ War to the signing of the Declaration of Independence as a result of the several implemented changes imposed by Parliament for the purpose of increasing income and tightening the grip on America. During the Seven Years’ War, William Pitt was enlisted to take over command of the British forces from the failing Earl of Londoun. Pitt realized the advantage of employing the help of the colonies to bolster the war effort for the British; to appeal to them, Pitt ensured the colonists they would be paid for their service, he also promised them the war would be paid for by London not the colonies. Pitt stressed the importance of treating the colonists as equals and as a result the colonists joined forces with the British and won the war against the French. In 1763, the French signed the Treaty of Paris relinquishing their territory to the British. Morale amongst colonists was high after the war; not only did they feel as equals with the British, but they also assumed the conclusion of the war would mean lower taxes and access to the land previously occupied by the French. Britain however, had differing opinions; it was evident to them that they now had to protect and amalgamate their new territory with a standing army as well as pay said army, thus taxes were imminent. The morale boost amongst colonists didn’t last long. In 1763 a powerful Ottawa chief allied with several other Indian tribes waged war on the British capturing every fort west of Detroit forcing colonists east... ... middle of paper ... ...at the colonies bore the right to tax and legislate themselves. Additionally, an agreement was reached to once again cut off all trade until the Coercive Acts were repealed. Soon after the forming of the First Continental Congress, it was evident that colonists were slowly gaining the upper hand and replacing royal authority in America. The king declared that the colonists were officially in a state of rebellion. The back and forth battle of legislation versus resistance between England and the colonies had caused an irreparable rift that eventually led to the commencement of the Revolutionary War and subsequently the birth of an independent nation. Works Cited Davidson, James West., Brian DeLay, and Christine Leigh. Heyrman. "Chapter Six: Imperial Triumph, Imperial Crisis." US: a Narrative History. McGraw-Hill Higher Education: New York, 2012. 103-19. Print.

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