How could geography/mercantilism have contributed to the revolt of the American colonies against Britain? Only two words that are giving me a headache...
Which two words are giving you a headache?
If they are geography and mercantilism, please look them up in a dictionary or in yout glossary.
Please post again with your answer, or a clarification of your question.
I know what geography is. I do not see how geography contributed to the revolt of the Patriots against Britain in the Revolutionary War.
The colonies were a couple thousand miles away from Britain -- thus making it easier for them to declare independence and more difficult for the British to fight them. The "home team" always has the advantage by fighting on its own land. In addition, the colonies occupied a large area, again making it difficult for Britain to fight the local militias in the colonies.
How to explain how geography helped shape the English colonies
How to explain how geography helped the English colonies
I apologize if my previous response was not clear. I understand that you are looking for an explanation on how geography and mercantilism contributed to the revolt of the American colonies against Britain.
Geography played a significant role in the American colonies' revolt against Britain. The colonies were geographically distant from Britain, separated by the Atlantic Ocean. This distance made it more challenging for Britain to assert direct control over the colonies and enforce its policies. It also made communication and transportation slower, which allowed the colonists to develop a stronger sense of independence and autonomy.
The vast geographical extent of the American colonies also played a role in the revolution. The colonies covered a large area, spanning from New England in the north to Georgia in the south. This vastness made centralized control and governance by the British difficult. It also allowed for the development of local self-governing institutions and increased regional identities among the colonists.
Mercantilism, on the other hand, was an economic policy pursued by Britain and had a significant impact on the colonies. Under mercantilism, the British government sought to maximize its economic power and wealth by controlling colonial trade and resources. The colonies were primarily seen as suppliers of raw materials and a market for British manufactured goods.
However, the strict trade regulations imposed by Britain, such as the Navigation Acts, limited the economic opportunities for the colonies. They were restricted from trading directly with other nations and were required to export goods only to Britain. This led to resentment among the colonists who felt their economic growth and prosperity were being hindered by British control.
These economic restrictions, combined with the increasing taxes and tariffs imposed by Britain to generate revenue, fueled opposition and resistance among the colonists. As a result, the concept of "No taxation without representation" emerged as a rallying cry for the Patriots, who believed that they should have a voice in the decision-making process that affected their economic well-being.
In summary, while geography contributed by enabling the colonists to declare independence and making it difficult for Britain to fight them effectively, mercantilism played a role through economic restrictions and taxation policies that fueled discontent and resistance among the colonists.