Imperial Perspective Chapter 4

English Administration of the Colonies Royal colonies –British crown responsible for defense. –British crown regulated external trade. Elected lower houses –Home rule –Self-government in the colonies became first a habit, then a “right.”

Economy: Mercantilism (self-sufficient) World’s gold and silver supply fixed. Nations could gain wealth only at the expense of another country – by seizing its gold and silver and dominating its trade. Colonies were part of an empire. –Source of raw materials. –Market for finished goods.

Atlantic Trade Growing economy Unfavorable balance of trade Shortage of hard money Ton of debt

Navigation Acts (1651, 1660, 1663) Terms: –All imported goods to be shipped in English vessels. –Enumerated articles could only be shipped to England or other English colonies. –All goods imported by the colonies come through England. The Imperial System before 1760 –The benefits of benign neglect

Troubled Neighbors Indian-wars –A series of Indian wars in the mid-1670s –King Philip’s War in New England between colonists and the Wampanoag tribe. Bacon’s Rebellion –Virtually a civil war in Virginia over how to control the Indians. –Nathaniel Bacon burned Jamestown in 1676 in an effort to arrest the governor. –Bacon became ill and died of swamp fever.

The Glorious Revolution of Charles II died in 1685 and was succeeded by his brother, the duke of York. –James II openly parade his Catholic faith. Parliament invited James’s Protestant daughter Mary and her husband, the Dutch leader William of Orange to assume the throne as joint monarchs. –James II fled to France. Bill of Rights and Toleration Act (1689) –Limited the powers of rulers and affirmed freedom of Worship for Christians. –Did not limit the king’s power in America.

John Locke Defended the overthrow of James II, which set a precedent for revolution against the monarch. Two Treatises on Government (1690) –Contract theory of government argued that people were endowed with natural rights to life, liberty, and property. –When rulers violated these rights, the people could overthrow the monarch and change their government.

The Habit of Self-Government Americans liked being British subjects. –Opportunities for trade and commerce. –Military protection. –Political stability. Benefits had few costs. –Salutary neglect. –Home rule.

England vs. France A competition to dominate world trade and naval power. Intensified after the Glorious Revolution. Four Wars –War of the League of Augsburg / King William’s War ( ) –War of the Spanish Succession / Queen Anne’s War ( ) –War of the Austrian Succession / King George’s War ( ) –Seven Years’ War / French and Indian War ( )

French & Indian War (Seven Years’ War) Expansion led to conflict. The Ohio Valley –French Fort Duquesne. –George Washington and Fort Necessity. Three Phases – : British in North America losing – : War starts in Europe/England in charge – : English win one battle after another.

Peace of Paris (1763) France: Ended French power in North America. Britain: Everything east of Mississippi River (except N.O.) Spain: Louisiana

Postwar Expectations Colonial pride and optimism English resentments –Unsatisfied with colonists role in war –Want more control –Want colonies to help pay for defense 4 wars left England in enormous debt