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British Missteps, Colonial Intransigence . The Road to Revolution. Focus Question:. How can victory in a war cause a nation difficulty?. The Road to the Revolution. In many ways, the American Revolution was unpredicted Colonists were the most loyal subjects to the British Crown
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British Missteps,Colonial Intransigence The Road to Revolution
Focus Question: How can victory in a war cause a nation difficulty?
The Road to the Revolution In many ways, the American Revolution was unpredicted Colonists were the most loyal subjects to the British Crown Colonists were immensely proud to be British Reluctant Revolutionaries
Underlying Strains Salutary Neglect The Enlightenment The Great Awakening
Salutary Neglect • Britain passed few laws to govern the colonies • Remain loyal to Britain • Trade only with Britain (Mercantilism) • The Colonies left on their own to develop • Benefitted both Britain and the colonies
The Enlightenment • Movement built on Reason • Shed superstition in the face of Reason and logic • Embrace science rather than tradition • Applied reason to ideas of government (Locke)
The Great Awakening 1740s were a period of religious revival New religions sprouted Stressed ‘democratic’ ministry Stressed looking out for one’s neighbors
The French and Indian War • With victory in the War, Britain gained: • Control over much of North America • Primus inter pares status • Massive debt • Potentially rebellious subjects • Economic recession • Was it worth it?
British Agenda • Needed to accomplish several short-term goals: • Incorporate new subjects into the Empire • Prevent conflict between Indians and colonists • Manage debt • Needed to accomplish a long-term goal • Centralize the Empire
Pontiac’s War • Revolt of the Ottawa chieftain Pontiac 1763 • Fear of white encroachment on lands • Anger at changes in British policies • Confederation of western nations • British frontier posts overrun • Army returned in 1764 • Revolt put down • How can peace be maintained?
Incorporation of French Canadiens • Catholic, Francophone people in a Protestant English empire • Conquered people • Occupy much of Lower Canada • How can they maintain the population?
The Debt • The French and Indian War was very costly • Britain supplied own forces • Britain supplied allied forces • Britain supplied colonial forces • British debt doubled • Interest was higher than normal government expenses • How would the debt be paid down?
