Empire: 1763 Flashcards
What happened in 1763?
The end of the seven years war
Why was 1763 (The end of the 7 years war) a victory for Britain?
They had gained control of:
- Canada
- North America
- They had cleared the French out of India
- They became the worlds most dominant naval and economic power
Although Britain has success in 1763 why was the empire relatively small?
- No arrangement and lack of organisation
- Lack of single system of governance
Up until this point Britain had viewed its empire largely as control of the seas with territorial gains the results of wars fought for other purposes
Where did historians agree that there was one coherent, imperial policy?
Trade
What is mercantilism?
Belief in the benefits of profitable trading
What was the aim of mercantilism?
- Increase the wealth of Britain
- View trade as largely fixed in quantity
- Your share of trade could only be increased at another country’s expense
When did the navigation acts begin?
1645
Who did the Navigation acts begin under?
Cromwell
In 1660, did the Navigation acts continue? If so who under?
Yes, the restoration of the monarchy
How many navigation laws were passed between 1645 - 1761?
29
What did the navigation acts include? (4)
- All trade between UK and it’s colonies HAD to be carried on British ships
- With a 75% British crew
- All goods from Colonies had to go to a British port
- All goods going to British colonies had to go to Britain first to be taxed
How did the navigation acts effect the American colonies?
- It prevented the American colonies from competing with Britain in the manufacture of goods
- It caused resentment in the American colonies
Did the navigation acts boost the British economy?
Yes
Why did smuggling become popular?
Tax was high which encouraged smuggling
