What was it about post-1763 British policy that would cause colonists in every section to see the disadvantages rather than the advantages of being part of the British empire?
any help will be truly appreciated!!
Check these sites.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Empire#The_Americas
http://wsu.edu/~dee/AMERICA/REV.HTM
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To understand why post-1763 British policy led colonists to view the disadvantages of being part of the British empire, it is essential to consider the historical context and the specific policies implemented by the British government during this time. Here's a breakdown of the key factors:
1. Proclamation of 1763: After the French and Indian War, the British issued the Proclamation of 1763, which aimed to prevent further conflicts with Native American tribes. This proclamation prohibited westward expansion beyond the Appalachian Mountains, limiting the colonists' ability to acquire new lands and economic opportunities.
2. Increased taxation: In an attempt to pay off war debts, the British imposed various taxes on the American colonies. The most controversial of these was the Stamp Act of 1765, which required official stamps to be purchased and affixed to legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, and more. This taxation without colonial representation in the British Parliament sparked widespread resentment and protest.
3. Quartering Act: Passed in 1765, the Quartering Act allowed British troops to be housed in colonial private residences, which further strained the relationship between the colonists and the British military presence.
4. Townshend Acts: In 1767, the British Parliament implemented a series of taxes known as the Townshend Acts, which imposed levies on various imported goods, including glass, paper, lead, tea, and paint. These acts were met with resistance, and the colonists organized boycotts and protests against British goods.
5. Lack of representation: One crucial aspect that further fueled the resentment among colonists was the absence of American representation in the British Parliament. The slogan "No taxation without representation" became a rallying cry for those who believed that the British government was infringing upon their rights.
In summary, the combination of restricted westward expansion, increased taxation, the Quartering Act, the Townshend Acts, and the lack of representation in the British Parliament led the colonists in every section of the colonies to perceive the disadvantages of being part of the British empire. These policies impeded their economic growth, infringed upon their rights, and strained their relationship with the British government, eventually culminating in the American Revolution.