behind the growing tensions in the North American colonies?
- INTRO:
- Taxation from the British was important in raising tensions as it fuelled anger
amongst the colonists in the British not consolidating with them. However, its
importance was undermined by the unsuccessful protests led from it. Taxation
was a direct result of the 7 years war between India and France and therefore
the war was largely the most important behind the growing tensions in NA
colonies. As it reinforced its traditional “salutary neglect” felt by the colonies.
The divide in colonists, into being patriots and Loyalists had highlighted the
dramatics effects of British taxation but was slightly important in growing
tensions as it showed how the British were more unified than the colonists.
Therefore, the 7 years war was largely the most important reason behind the
growing tensions as it had led to a large breakdown in relations and in the
long-term led to the American Revolution.
- TAXATION-Slightly important
- Stamp Act 1765- taxes on printed documents, Navigation acts- 1960’s (taxes)
- Which eventually led to the Boston Massacre in 1770. Despite in many ways
the BM did represent the crossing of a line with the shooting of civilians, it did
not heavily increase tensions.
- This was because the British had repealed the hated Townshend duties +
other taxation duties (except Tea Act) which meant that the british actually
acted on America’s best interests. This led to more consolidation and re-
negotiation over policies which reduced tensions. There was also a sufficient
amount of loyalists during the BM which meant that the British were more
united and therefore it hasn’t led to the American revolution in the long-term.
- So taxation was slightly important behind growing tensions as the protests led
after it were unsuccessful which didn't rise hostility, instead put a pause on it.
- Also, 7 years war had led to more taxation acts being passed, like Tea Act
which led to increased open rebellion from colonists.
7 YEARS WAR- Largely important
- The french defeat of the war had led to a renegotiation over political
processes. For example, more governments needed to be provided for the
80,000 citizens of French Canada who were now part of the British Empire.
- This had also meant that the defence force would need to be paid and funded
for the 10,000 troops which is why the British had implemented taxation
duties such as the Stamp Act and Townshend duties.
- Therefore, If it was not for the Seven Years’ War, taxes would not have been
raised on the American colonists and the Thirteen Colonies would not have
rebelled. As a result, the USA would not have come into existence.
- The result in North America was that the French were kicked out of Canada.