How Did a Changing Relationship with Britain Lead the Thirteen Colonies to Revolution?

13 Colonies

New England Colonies Puritans who left because their beliefs weren’t accepted in England. Boston Traded goods with Caribbean islands in the south Wheat farmers. Fishing, forestry, and whaling

Middle Colonies Most diverse colonies Many different religions and nationalities made the dominance of one faith next to impossible. Mainly farmers Exported crops to England

Southern Colonies Most southern colonists were from England. large plantations grew cash crops like tobacco, sugar, cotton, and rice Crops were grown to export to England Slaves were the main source of labour

Government in the 13 Colonies Colonies reached 1.5 million people by 1760 The Colonies were run by governors who were appointed by the British government. There was also a Legislative Assembly, comprised of two elected colonists from each colony. Although the Legislative Assembly could make and pass new laws, the governor had the ultimate say in all issues.

13 Colonies Economic Relationship with Britain The 13 colonies were to supply Britain with resources, which were used to make manufactured goods Britain would then sell the manufactured goods back to the colonists Colonies were forbidden by law to reverse this flow Made the colonies economically dependent on Britain

Protecting the American Colonists American colonies were dependent on Britain for protection They had no standing army or navy The French would later become a major ally for the Americans trying to achieve independence

Mercantilism in the 13 Colonies Trade within the British Empire was tightly controlled and competition from outsiders was non-existent Only British Ships could be used for trade and carry goods Inter-colonial trade could happen only if a duty was paid to the British government All ships used for trade were built from American materials

Growing Resentment American colonists began to resent British control because: Unfair Taxation High Trade Duties Britain getting involved in colonial affairs #1 and 2 would be major factors for the revolution

Independence…Say What!!? The idea that American colonies would demand rights and independence was unprecedented Never happened before! Colonies were to serve the home country or empire Colonist felt they had the right to make decisions for themselves

The British colonies by the end of 1763 Quebec Newfoundland Island of St. John (PEI) Nova Scotia Rupert’s Land Sugar Islands of the West Indies 13 colonies