History Module 2.7 The Development of American Self-Government

From the perspective of the English government, what was the intention of the Navigation Acts?

The Navigation Acts were laws passed to tighten England’s control over colonial trade, protect English shipping, enrich the mother country, and maintain its naval dominance.

What three main principles did the Navigation Acts establish?

1. Only English or American ships could trade in the English colonies.

2. Certain valuable products could only be sold to England.

3. All foreign goods had to be shipped through England first to be taxed.

What problems did Britain encounter in the colonies in relation to the Navigation Acts?

American colonists resisted trade laws.

Too few officials too much coastline.

Had to rely on information from the colonists who would look out for eachother.

What was the principle of salutary neglect and how did it related to colonial history?

As long as colonists were loyal to England, England would turn a blind eye to the illegal things the colonists were doing. (Smuggling, avoiding taxes, trading with other nations, manufacturing goods).

What examples can you think of to illustrate the practice of self-government in the colonies?

Virginia House of Burgesses (1619)

• The first representative assembly in the colonies.

• Colonists elected representatives (burgesses) to make laws and decisions.

• It set a model for other colonies to create their own legislative bodies.

2. Mayflower Compact (1620)

• An agreement made by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower to govern themselves.

• Established a form of direct democracy where settlers agreed to create and follow laws for the good of the colony.

Why did the colonists favor a two tiered system of government? (How would it operate (what did the colonists believe should be responsibility of each tier?)

Colonial government- Local government to handle domestic affairs, currency, public works.

Central government- England. To take care of Imperial policy, trade and defense.

Colonists believed both should have equal powers.

King James II:

Chipped away at privileges of colonies. In 1686 Great Britain revoked the charters. Imposed taxes on colonists without permission. Was overthrown by his daughter Mary and her husband William.

Vice-Admiralty Courts:

No jury because American juries were empathic to smugglers.

Dominion of England:

Short-lived.

Combined multiple colonies—Massachusetts, Plymouth, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and later New York and New Jersey—into one large colony.

The goal was to strengthen royal control, enforce the Navigation Acts, and streamline colonial governance.

William and Mary:

1. Overthrew King James II

   • They replaced James II, who was unpopular because of his Catholic faith and attempts to increase royal power.

   • Their arrival was largely peaceful, earning it the name Glorious Revolution.

2. Accepted the English Bill of Rights (1689)

   • They agreed to a document that limited the powers of the monarchy.

   • It guaranteed parliamentary supremacy, regular elections, and certain individual rights.

   • This helped establish a constitutional monarchy in England.

3. Restored Colonial Governments

   • After the collapse of the Dominion of New England, colonial assemblies and local governments were reinstated under their rule.

   • Colonies regained some degree of self-government.

4. Encouraged Protestantism

   • William and Mary were Protestants and their reign strengthened Protestant influence in England and its colonies.