Imperial Reorganization I: to Sugar Act

What ended the French & Indian War?

The Treaty of Paris (1763).

What new land did Britain gain in 1763?

Former New France—huge territory from Canada down to New Orleans.

Why was the new territory a problem for Britain?

They needed to prevent conflict between colonists and Native Americans and figure out how to govern it.

How did Americans feel after the war?

Proud to be British subjects; proud of their contribution.

What was the British view of American war performance?

Americans were seen as unreliable, only fought once Britain paid them → viewed like 'mercenaries.'

Why did Britain leave troops in the colonies after 1763?

It was cheaper to house them in America and to keep colonists and Native Americans apart.

How did colonists see the troops?

As a possible tool of oppression.

What caused Britain's huge war debt?

William Pitt's strategy of financing war through massive spending.

How did Britain expect colonies to help after the war?

By paying taxes to help with debt and their own 'defense.'

What was the colonists' reaction to paying for the war?

'What defense? The enemies are gone. That's your debt.'

What was the Proclamation Line of 1763?

A boundary forbidding colonists from crossing the Appalachians into Native American lands.

Why did colonists hate the Proclamation Line?

They believed Britain was holding them back from the land they fought for.

Who was King George III?

Young king, possibly mentally ill (porphyria or schizophrenia); created erratic leadership.

What were Writs of Assistance?

Blanket search warrants allowing officials to search homes, ships, warehouses without specific cause.

Why were Writs of Assistance controversial?

They violated rights of Englishmen; trials were not held locally and used military courts.

Who argued against Writs of Assistance?

James Otis, Boston lawyer.

Who ruled in favor of the Writs?

Thomas Hutchinson, Chief Justice of Massachusetts.

Why did the colonists want a written constitution?

The British constitution was unwritten, so Parliament could make anything 'constitutional,' even oppressive laws.

Who was George Grenville?

British Prime Minister after Pitt, tasked with fixing debt, keeping troops in America, and finding ways to tax colonists.

What is the difference between external tax and internal tax?

External Tax: A tariff collected at a port; Internal Tax: A sales or property tax inside the colony.

What type of tax was the Sugar Act?

External tax (a tariff on French sugar).

Which taxes were colonists okay with?

External taxes, because they regulated empire trade.