The Loss of the American Colonies 1770-83 Flashcards
What struggle throughout the 1700s drove Britain’s foreign policy in America?
War with France and potential new threat from France.
How many redcoats stationed in Boston in 1770 and why was this an issue?
600 redcoats which massively increased tensions.
What did Bostonians do every Thursday?
They staged riots. In general, they would avoid taxes to bait soldiers.
What happened 22nd Feb 1770?
A man suspected of informing to the British surrounded by a crowd. He shot into the crowd and killed a child. 5000 Bostonians attended the funeral.
What happened on 5th march 1770?
The Boston Massacre.
What was the difference between New England, middle/ Pennsylvania colonies and southern colonies?
New England was comprised mostly of farmers and fishing. Middle colonies farmed wheat and southern colonies farmed tobacco (slaves were used for this).
Name 2 features of the colonists in America:
They were mostly Protestant. They were also mostly merchants so were very wealthy.
Who did the American colonists identify with?
They identified with their own local communities and churches and had no loyalty towards being British.
What percentage of men could vote?
Reached as high as 80%.
Why was this important?
Most colonists were used to their own self governing and sense of democracy.
Why were the colonial assemblies so important?
They consistently overstepped their position in the 1760s (showing a start of rebellious attitude) and provided a focus / hub for reaction and rebellion. Colonists could also use it to petition (e.g. in the Sugar Act) which led to a greater sense of unity.
Why did the British find it easy to ignore the Colonial Assemblies?
They weren’t a national assembly so it was easy to disregard their grievances as there wasn’t a significant unified threat.
How much did British national debt increase during the 7 years war?
75 mill –> 153 mill.
Why did the Colonists despise taxation?
They saw it as tyrannical and an illegal overstepping of their powers. Furthermore, they believed money raised in the colonies should be spent in the colonies. They were also influenced by the politics of the Enlightenment which led to a hatred of monarchies and taxation in general.
Why did so many governors resign?
Their houses were ransacked e.g. Thomas Hutchinson (last non military governor of Boston), tarring and feathering
