The Imperial Crisis after the Seven Years' War
Imperial Crisis HIS 203 American History to 1865 Leslie Ruff 25 August 2014
Imperial Crisis The conclusion of the Seven Years’ War began a tumultuous period in American history. With the victory Great Britain obtained supremacy and world dominance, however their greatest prize (Colonial America) was becoming rebellious. Therefore, the British recognized the need for more controlling polices and forced taxation to pay for a massive war debt. Many believed that the American colonies were equally obligated in assisting with the recovery of funds lost in the Seven Years’ War. Thus, a shift in British ideology would create a series of events that would culminate in a fight for independence. The Proclamation of 1763 was the first of many laws passed under the leadership of new Prime Minister Lord George Grenville that would greatly change the relationship between Great Britain and its North American colonies over the next dozen years (Stockwell, 2012, p. 4.5). In addition, a series of taxes were levied by the British which many colonists opposed and express concern. The continues changes in British policies along with the increasing taxation forced colonists to revolt and called for a self-governing committee to react to a new series of British policies. Moreover, tension between colonists and British occupiers had become volatile and a series of altercations had occurred. The costly effects of the Seven Years’ War forced the British to implement a series of taxes which altered the attitudes of the colonists, ultimately forcing many to express patriotism and call for the development of a Continental Congress. In a meager attempt to regain finical losses from the Seven Years’ War, Great Britain unknowingly instigated an uprising within their American
Imperial Crisis The conclusion of the Seven Years’ War began a tumultuous period in American history. With the victory Great Britain obtained supremacy and world dominance, however their greatest prize (Colonial America) was becoming rebellious. Therefore, the British recognized the need for more controlling polices and forced taxation to pay for a massive war debt. Many believed that the American colonies were equally obligated in assisting with the recovery of funds lost in the Seven Years’ War. Thus, a shift in British ideology would create a series of events that would culminate in a fight for independence. The Proclamation of 1763 was the first of many laws passed under the leadership of new Prime Minister Lord George Grenville that would greatly change the relationship between Great Britain and its North American colonies over the next dozen years (Stockwell, 2012, p. 4.5). In addition, a series of taxes were levied by the British which many colonists opposed and express concern. The continues changes in British policies along with the increasing taxation forced colonists to revolt and called for a self-governing committee to react to a new series of British policies. Moreover, tension between colonists and British occupiers had become volatile and a series of altercations had occurred. The costly effects of the Seven Years’ War forced the British to implement a series of taxes which altered the attitudes of the colonists, ultimately forcing many to express patriotism and call for the development of a Continental Congress. In a meager attempt to regain finical losses from the Seven Years’ War, Great Britain unknowingly instigated an uprising within their American
References: Copeland, D. A. (2000). Debating the Issues in Colonial Newspapers: Primary Documents on Events of the Period. United States, Greenwood Press. pg. 288-302. Stockwell, M. (2012). The American story: Perspectives and encounters to 1865. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.