Mercantilism and the French and Indian War

Mercantilism and the French and Indian War

• Mercantilism, an economic system, dictates a powerful nation controls colonies for profit.
• Britain, desiring more land and resources, expanded its control in North America, fueling conflict with France.

The Albany Plan of Union

• In 1754, Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union to unify American colonies, strengthening trade and defense against Native Americans.
• However, the plan was rejected by colonies prioritizing their individual interests.

The French and Indian War

• Lasting from 1754 to 1763, the French and Indian War was a direct conflict from mercantilist desires.
• Settlers clashed over land with French colonists and Native Americans.
• Britain won, gaining control of Canada and land east of the Mississippi.
• The war exposed divisions between Britain and colonists and led to financial strain for Britain.

The Proclamation of 1763

• King George III issued the Proclamation of 1763, restricting colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to avoid conflict with Native Americans.
• Colonists viewed this as restricting their freedom and westward expansion.

Increased Taxation

• Britain, burdened by war debt, abandoned the policy of "salutary neglect" (relaxed control over colonies).
• To recoup losses, Britain imposed new taxes on colonists, believing colonists should contribute to the war benefitting them.
• The "No taxation without representation!" cry arose as colonists lacked voice in Parliament.

Colonial Resistance

• The Stamp Act of 1765 sparked widespread protests, leading to boycotts and targeted tax collectors by the Sons of Liberty.
• The Boston Tea Party (1773) was a bold act of defiance, with colonists dumping tea to protest British monopoly and lack of representation.
• The Intolerable Acts, punitive measures in response to the Boston Tea Party, further incensed colonists.

The First Continental Congress

• Representatives from twelve colonies met at the First Continental Congress, seeking reconciliation but starting to organize a unified response.
• They sent a petition to King George III and urged colonists to form militias.

Beginning of the Revolution

• Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775) marked the start of the American Revolution, with clashes between British soldiers and colonial militias.
• The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia in May 1775, declared independence.

Declaring Independence

• Thomas Jefferson drafted and the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, declaring the thirteen colonies independent from Great Britain.

Turning Points

• The Battle of Saratoga (1777) was a crucial victory for the colonists, boosting morale and persuading France to support America militarily.
• The Battle of Yorktown (1781) resulted in the British surrender, marking the end of the war.

Treaty of Paris

• The Treaty of Paris (1783) formally ended the American Revolution, recognizing the United States as an independent nation, establishing its boundaries, and signifying the start of a new era for the nation.