120 likes | 201 Views
English-Colonial Relationships. U.S. HISTORY. Generalizations. Transatlantic governance is difficult, if not impossible England faced with domestic issues Religious Dissention Political squabbles with Parliament Restoration of 1660 (Charles II) Glorious Revolution.
E N D
English-Colonial Relationships U.S. HISTORY
Generalizations • Transatlantic governance is difficult, if not impossible • England faced with domestic issues • Religious Dissention • Political squabbles with Parliament • Restoration of 1660 (Charles II) • Glorious Revolution
Generalizations (cont.) • American colonies had a tradition of self-rule • I.e.: Mayflower Compact (1620), Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, and House of Burgesses (1619) Mayflower Compact, 1620
Mercantilism (Favorable Balance of Trade) • Justification for policy • British industries were sunk in recession; need for new markets for goods • Attempts to wage trade war on European powers required economic expansion
Attempts to Gain Control • Early attempts to regulate colonies were inefficient and ineffective • In 1696, King William III created the Board of Trade to control colonies • Dissolved colonial charters and laws • Nominated colonial governors (J. Andros) responsive to throne • Enforced Navigation Acts
Mercantilism • Effects on colonies • Indebtedness • Shipbuilding boom • Colonial inflation • Bribery and corruption • Political protest Boston Harbor, late 1600’s
Salutary Neglect Established • The death of Queen Anne (1714) led to succession of Hanoverian princes to English throne • Vast power was given to royal cabinet who had no interest in colonial affairs • First Minister Robert Walpole set forth policy of “wise and salutary neglect” of American colonies
Example: Nathaniel Bacon • Depressed tobacco prices, rising taxes, and scores of newly freed servants desiring Indian lands led to tensions in Virginia • A small conflict developed between frontier planters and Doeg Indians; white man killed; frontier militias formed against Gov. Berkeley’s orders
Bacon’s Rebellion • Nathaniel Bacon defied Berkeley’s orders and declared quasi-war on natives • After Indians were eliminated, Bacon turned force on Jamestown elite
Bacon’s Rebellion • Berkeley was unable to provide strong resistance to Bacon’s force • Only Bacon’s death (of malaria) prevented overthrow of colonial government • In response, the King recalled Berkeley and appointed royal commission
Example: Jacob Leisler • Upon hearing of Glorious Revolution, Jacob Leisler led a group of German immigrants in successful overthrow of NY governor appointed by the old Catholic king (James II) • Leisler held control of NY for over two years, until new governor was appointed
Leisler’s Revolt • Leisler was found guilty of treason and hanged; acquitted 5 years later • Yet, “Leislerites” continued to control political atmosphere for decades