This chapter covers the development of hostility between Britain and its colonies. While Britain became the dominant European power in North America, its very success and subsequent attempts to centralize power brought resistance from British colonists. Through many types of organization, the colonies developed an "American" identity. This new community of interest was often encouraged by inept British actions. The outcome of this unhealthy dynamic was that thirteen colonies decided to leave the empire and declare themselves independent.
After reading this chapter you should be able to:
- Explain how overwhelming British success in the Seven Years War or French and Indian War led to an imperial crisis in Britain's North American holdings.
- Describe the changes in British policy toward the colonies from 1750 to 1776.
- Trace the development of the sentiment of "American" community, the political ideas supporting it, and the organizational machinery to act in common.
- Outline the events from the Sugar Act to the Boston Massacre in encouraging community.
- Summarize the developments from the Tea Party to the Declaration of Independence in establishing an American national community.
- Discuss what the First Continental Congress demonstrated in regard to a national community of leadership.
- Explain how the ideals of Protestant culture, the Great Awakening, and the Enlightenment inspired the American community in its move to independence.
