Britain losing America

• By the 1760s, Britain had gained an overseas empire in North America.
• Long term:

  • Colonists were self made and saw the British class system as outdated. Many believed anyone could be successful, no matter their background.
  • America's economy did not rely on Britain.
  • They believed they could exist separately from Britain.
• Long term:

  • Navigation Acts [1651 - 1673] meant only British goods could be imported to America, so colonists could no longer trade with other countries.
  • Monopoly of trade with only Britain greatly restricted the type / amount of goods America could bring. This meant competition was rare and prices were high.
• Medium term:

  • Americans were ruled by Britain but had no representatives in British parliament. They were unhappy about paying taxes without having a say.
  • Stamp Act [1765] was a tax on paper used for all official documents.
  • Colonists were made to pay taxes to fund British wars with the French, which colonists believed had nothing to do with them.
• Short term:

  • Boston Tea Party [16th December 1773] - colonists poured British tea into the harbour in protest at high taxes on tea. They responded by closing the port, causing more anger.
  • 1774: 56 representatives met at the First Congress. A decision was made to fight the British War of Independence.