development of British hegemony Flashcards
what were the key differences of British, French and Spanish colonies in North American in 1740
- economic
- social
- religious
- politics
Economic differences
- French controlled interior America and aimed to supply France with raw materials e.g. fish and fur
- Britain exports were small and diverse e.g. farming and tobacco
- French and Spanish had little attempts to develop the economy
- 80-90% working in countryside
social differences
- British colonies were more diverse in ethnicities
- French and Spanish had smaller settlements
- Mid 18th century: no more than 60,000 French
- 400,000 people with different ethnicities went to British colonies (1700-1763)
- British population over 2 million by 1775
Religious differences
- French and Spanish areas were mostly catholic but some French protestant
- British was more diverse with Anglican, catholic, Jewish and more
Political differences
- France believed in Divine right and more control over their colonies, having lots of taxes + no religious toleration
- Britain was minimalist and liberal, much less powerful central gov + more freedom of speech
- British population growth led to more dominance
- Spanish power declined but still had power in South America, both French and Spanish tried to limit British
How had British society and economy developed in NA by 1740
- Average of 3% economic growth per year in colonies
- American colonies had economic diversity e.g. industrial, shipbuilding, iron
- More land for Britain to exploit and produce crops
- colonists were prosperous and wanted to expand, encouraged by British gov
Importance of mercantilism in economy
- Purpose: Colonies exist for Britain’s economic benefit (raw materials, market).
- Navigation Acts: Colonies limited to British trade routes, boosting Britain’s shipping industry.
- Colonial Support: Colonists supported mercantilism due to access to a protected market.
agriculture and fishing in colonies
- Agricultural Dominance: 90% worked in agriculture.
- Key Areas:
Middle colonies: Wheat and flour.
Southern colonies: Tobacco, rice, indigo (with slave labor).
New England: Subsistence farming and fishing. - Trade: New England traded with West Indies (rum, sugar, molasses).
Colonial Society Characteristics
- Social Structure: Less social prestige than in Britain, more capitalistic.
- Main Groups: Laborers, slaves, professionals, farmers, craftsmen.
- Elite: Often wealthy capitalists or land speculators.
Religious and Educational development
- Religious Diversity: No single dominant religion, unlike Catholic French and Spanish.
- Growth in literacy and Enlightenment thought (75% male literacy by 1763).
Relations Between British Settlers and Native Americans
- Trade continued with Native Americans exchanging furs for British goods, but increasing settlement expansion caused tension.
- Native American alliances shifted, with many tribes siding with the French during the French and Indian War to resist British expansion.
- Land expansion by British settlers led to conflict and displacement of Native Americans.
- led to proclamation act 1763 which prevented colonial expansion to Appalachian mountains to prevent conflict with NA
British Expansion and Territory (1740-1763)
- Growth: Population growth led to migration into backcountry.
- Conflict with French: French controlled interior, British sought expansion.
- French Resistance: France attempted to restrict British expansion in North America.
War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748)
- Colonial Role: British colonists sought to weaken France and Spain.
- British Success: Colonists outnumbered French 15:1, capturing Louisburgh.
- Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748): Louisburgh returned to France.
what was the purpose and outcome of Albany Congress (1754)
Purpose:
- Improving Relations with Native American Tribes to secure their loyalty against the French.
– To discuss a coordinated response to the growing French threat in North America, as tensions escalated into what became the 7 Year War (1754–1763).
Outcome:
- The Albany Plan of Union: suggested a unified colonial government with the power to raise taxes, make treaties, and organize defense
- but this was rejected by Britain and the colonial legislature
what happened post Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)
- After the treaty, colonists wanted to expand into the Ohio Valley despite no clear claim.
- Virginia Speculators: Land grants (200,000 acres) led to conflict.
- British investors established Loyal Land Company and Ohio Company of Virginia to begin building Fort Prince George to protect settlers
French Response to British Expansion
- French built a chain of forts between Lake Erie and Allegheny River.
- French took British Fort Prince George.
- George Washington’s force defeated and forced to surrender at Battle of Jumonville Glen.
British Failures in Early Skirmishes (1754-1755)
- British struggled with the remote terrain and guerrilla tactics.
- Red Coats were an easy targets for French and Native forces.
- Braddock Failed to take Fort Duquesne; killed in ambush in 1755.
British Battle Successes in the Seven Years’ War
- Battle of Quiberon Bay (1759): British navy defeated France’s last operational Atlantic squadron.
- Battle of Quebec (1759): British captured Quebec, a major turning point.
- Expansion: Britain gained:
Canada (Quebec & Montreal).
All French possessions east of Mississippi.
Florida from Spain.
Why was the Battle of Quiberon Bay significant
- stopped a possible French invasion of Britain
- Without France being able to reinforce there territories Britain took Canada
- The British Royal Navy, led by Admiral Hawke, defeated the French fleet, preventing France from challenging British naval dominance.
Why was the Battle of Quebec significant
- Quebec was the heart of New France and its capture severely weakened French control
- With Quebec lost, Montreal became isolated and vulnerable. British forces captured Montreal in 1760
- The fall of Quebec set of a reaction that led to the Peace of Paris (1763)
Why Was Britain Successful in the Seven Years’ War?
- native american support
- naval superiority
- finances
- William Pitt
importance of William Pitt
- Secured funding for critical military campaigns.
- strengthened the navy leading to a victory in the battle of Quiberon Bay 1759
- improved relations with colonists by offered the American colonies more autonomy in raising and supplying troops
French Weaknesses during the 7 year war
- less colonists
- colonists were dependent on supplies from france
- less fertile lands and lack of naval superiority meant lack of imports
- couldn’t supply gifts to native, more went towards British
