Study GuideU.S. History I–Creating a New Nation1. Discontent in the ColoniesAfter 1763, the relationship between Britain and its American colonies began to change. What hadonce seemed like a strong partnership slowly turned into conflict. Let’s explore why this happened andhow colonial resistance began to grow.1.1Britain’s Growing Empire—and Its Growing ProblemsBy1763, Britain had become a global power, with territory stretching fromIndia to North Americaand the Caribbean. Winning this empire, especially through theSeven Years’ War, was expensive.Britain faced:•Massive war debt•Already high taxes at home•New costs to govern and protect its expanded landsBritish leaders believed theAmerican colonies should help payfor these expenses. From Britain’spoint of view, this seemed fair. The colonies hadprospered during the war, especially by supplyingthe British military.The colonists, however, had their own expectations. They wanted:•Free access to western lands•Continued control over their local governmentsAlthough most colonists still thought of themselves asloyal English subjects, a strongerAmericanidentitywas beginning to form. During the war, colonial assemblies had gained more power bydemanding concessions from royal governors. After experiencing this independence, colonists wereno longer sure they wanted to return to being passive subjects of the empire.Preview Mode
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