¡Descarga English Interference in Colonial Affairs: The Road to American Independence - Prof. Crews y más Ejercicios en PDF de Idioma Inglés solo en Docsity! The American Revolution. The English government often intruded in colonial affairs. Interference was frequent and complicated: it involved many different political bodies: There was a Board of Trade and Plantations to review colonial legislation, propose bills to Parliament, and judge colonial disputes; the Secretary of State for the Southern Department gave instructions to royal officials in the colonies; the Treasury Board supervised the collection of customs duties and; the Admiralty Courts enforced the Navigation Acts. The Parliament in England passed laws that affected the whole empire, not just America. The colonists believed the complicated political processes that took place 3,000 miles away prevented political effectiveness. A governor’s veto or bureaucratic delays came into this. British supervision meant American economic interests were kept at a secondary level. The scarcity of gold and silver meant some colonies introduced paper money. This alarmed English merchants, who feared that this currency might possibly lose value. Parliament later prohibited its circulation. Even so, some colonies continued to use it. America was virtually powerless to do anything about such decisions except to perhaps ignore them. Even so, colonials considered to consider themselves, at this time 1750s-60s) loyal Englishmen. The involvement of England in costly wars with European enemies, particularly France had serious repercussions in America as it meant a parallel conflict in American territory. England often failed to appreciate American help and sacrifice and negotiated away captured territory in peace treaties. Of particular importance was the Great War for Empire, known as the Seven Years’ War in Britain. It had to do with the control of India and America against France. In America, conflicts began in 1754 on the western frontier with confrontations between French and American fur traders. In Europe, the Seven Years War began in 1756. When William Pitt in 1758 came to power after several American defeats, it was believed to be divine Providence: men and supplies were rushed to the colonies. There were many British victories until the French, led by Montcalm, were defeated by General Wolf which resulted in the conquest of Quebec in 1759. Peace would not come officially to the area till the Treaty of Paris in 1763. However, the peace treaty was greeted as a success following what was in every other respect a British victory. Prosperity and expansion was predicted. Provincial politics in America was unstable in America: there were many disagreements between governors and the legislatures; there was interference from English politicians; the colonies were vulnerable during wartime. However, the old notion of a political system based on natural harmony persisted: the metaphor of the family was frequent in the writings of Benjamin Franklin and reflected this; even up to 1776, many colonials were still loyalists (i.e. loyal to the crown). During the revolutionary crisis, the Fifth Commandment was often quoted as a justification for obedience to the Crown (“honour thy father and mother”). The illusion of political harmony became apparent with the discovery that individual politicians who held power in England were often corrupt. The Independent Whigs in America protested against the abuse of power and political subterfuge to remain in power. The writings of these Independent Whigs became popular. Americans became suspicious of Royal Governors and the power of the Privy Council in England. There was a belief that there was a conspiracy against America and as corrupted politicians threatened the system; there was also a belief that they had a right to rebel. While there was still a popular idea that the “King can do no wrong”, the opposition against Britain focussed on the government ministers who dictated policy. Patrick Henry, a Virginia planter, gives a well-known speech where he says, “liberty or death”. The More Immediate Causes of the American Revolution. The colonials were dissatisfied with British policy after 1763. The problems of Imperial administration were not solved after the Seven Years’ War. The cost of the war meant raising taxes. The acquisition of Canada in the treaty meant another financial burden. Additional troops were sent to America which meant additional cost. English officials decided the American colonies should share this financial burden. The attitudes of some colonists were clear when it was known that they had traded with the enemy during the war. After the Treaty of Paris it was decided further reform in the colonies was necessary. The First Royal Order was to coordinate relations with Native Americans: The Proclamation of 1763 prohibited English settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains; British troops were sent to enforce the prohibition and oversee the fur trade. Native Americans had sided with the French during the war. After French defeat, Britain introduced further restrictions on native trade (furs to be taken to forts, no alcohol). There was a native revolt: In 1763 the Ottawa chief Pontiac attacked British troops and settlements without munitions or supplies from the French after their withdrawal. They were defeated but the uprising suggested the British defence was insufficient. England could not enforce the frontier: Land speculators and colonial officials continued to occupy the Ohio Valley: Native resistance was scarce and they even sold their lands to settlers. Representation, Taxation and Military Necessity. Revenue: the war debt led England to tax Englishmen in America. The colonies were believed to have benefited from England’s mercantilist policy and were taxed accordingly: The Sugar Act, 1764 prohibited illicit trade with other nations; duties on sugar were enforced; The Stamp Act, 1765 made taxed stamps a requirement of official documents, legal papers, newspapers and other printed matter; Provincial legislatures were not consulted.
