4-1: British Imperial Wars

objectives MIG 2.0 Analyze causes of internal migration and patterns of settlement in what would become the United States, and explain how migration has affected American life. WOR 1.0 Explain how cultural interaction, cooperation, competition, and conflict between empires, nations, and peoples have influenced political, economic, and social developments in North America.

Key Concept British attempts to assert tighter control over its North American colonies and the colonial resolve to pursue self-government led to a colonial independence movement.

Anglo-French Rivalries International battle for commercial and colonial supremacy throughout 17th and 18th centuries French and Indian War (1754-1763) Origin British/American westward expansion halted by construction of French forts in the Ohio River Valley Albany Plan to unify Americans by collecting taxes and troops Failure British/American victory Treaty of Paris Starting in 1689, England, France, and Spain engaged in a series of wars for mastery in Europe and economic supremacy throughout the world. The first 3 of these wars were indecisive, but the 4th brought victory to England.

Results of the war Tangible Results American View British View Increase in British claims French influence dwindles Accumulation of war debt American View Increase in self-confidence Necessity of colonial unity Available land British View Colonists hadn’t sufficiently helped Colonists should help pay debts As a result of the French and Indian War, France relinquished its North American empire. England now dominated lands east of the Mississippi, as well as parts of Canada. Great Britain became the hegemonic power in North America. The French and Indian War was a pivotal point in America’s relationship with Great Britain, because it led Great Britain to impose revenue taxes on the colonies, thus ending salutary neglect. Englishmen carried a public debt of 18 pounds whereas a colonist only 18 shillings (there are 20 shillings in a pound). Taxes paid by Englishmen were 25 shillings a year, whereas colonists paid only sixpence (just 2% of what was paid by British citizens living in England).

Reorganization of the empire Proclamation of 1763 Pontiac’s Rebellion March of the Paxton Boys Proclamation Line Sugar Act Repealed after protests Stamp Act Purpose to raise revenue for troops Direct tax Questions Where does the money go? Does Parliament have the right to tax the colonies? Can Parliament truly reflect colonial interests? As the American Indians were defeated, Irish, German, and English immigrants moved into Appalachia. Pontiac’s Rebellion was a major attack on colonial settlements on the western frontier. Rather than the colonists handling the Indians themselves, British troops were used. The Proclamation of 1763 forbade colonists to cross an imaginary boundary along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. The primary purpose of the Proclamation of 1763 was to avoid conflict between the trans-Appalachian Indians and British colonists seeking inexpensive land. Americans felt angry because this limited their ability to move westward, i.e. their future. The Proclamation of 1763 was ignored wholeheartedly. The Sugar Act was the first law passed by Parliament to raise revenue for the British Crown. It was designed to tighten enforcement of English customs laws in America. The Stamp Act required revenue stamps to be purchased and placed on printed paper, legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, and advertisements.