Recording-2025-02-18T15:04:51.343Z

Context Leading to the American Revolution

• Introduction of Mercantilism

  • 13 colonies established under the principle of mercantilism.

  • Existence aimed at enriching the mother country, Britain.

• British Trade Regulation

  • Colonies expected British regulation of trade benefiting them economically.

  • Access to British military protection against rivals (French, Spanish).

  • Colonists had markets for raw materials and used British ships for trade.

• Shared Ideologies

  • Enlightenment ideas: belief in government protecting life, liberty, and property.

  • Great Awakening influenced both Britain and the colonies, fostering a sense of unity.

  • Enjoyment of salutary neglect by colonists led to maturity as a people and governance.

  • Cultural reliance on Great Britain, including literature and art.

• French and Indian War

  • Joint British-American troop efforts against the French; victory celebrated as a collective achievement.

  • Post-war, British protection against France was deemed unnecessary.

• British Debt and Colony Expectations

  • Britain incurred debt from the war, expecting colonies to help pay.

  • Taxation policies introduced, moving away from previous neglect.

• Shift from Salutary Neglect

  • William Pitt's regulation of trade and direct taxation marked an end to salutary neglect.