The French and Indian War and Its Effect on the Relationship Between Britain and Its North American Colonies.

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During the French and Indian War of 1754-1763, the British and American colonists were united against the French and their Native American allies. This allowed for a moderately stable relationship between the colonies and their motherland. However, after the French receded from their North American territory in 1763, the British began to impose more restrictions on the colonies regarding land acquisition and economics, putting a strain on what used to be a peaceful affair. Before 1763, Britain was not opposed against the westward expansion of the colonies into territories outside their original boundaries such as the Ohio River Valley. However, after the end of the French and Indian War, England became more strict in terms of land acquisition after these territories were surrendered to the British empire. Britain passed what is known as the Proclamation of 1763, which prohibited settlement in the area beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This was the first time Britain took a stance against westward expansion. Although Britain claimed that the purpose of the land restriction was to avoid further conflicts with the Natives, colonists were left dismayed and angered. Likewise, England also tightened its control on the colonies’ economy. Beginning around early 1700s, England embraced an economic theory known as mercantilism, a policy in which the colonies served to benefit the British empire. Although there were already some limitations, such as the Navigation Laws and Molasses Act, placed on the colonies before 1763, they were only loosely enforced during this period of salutary neglect. However, this soon came to an end with the British victory in the French and Indian War as Britain concluded that the colonies should aid in paying off the empire’s debt for half of it incurred from defending the colonists. Consequently, England began imposing taxes in the colonies.

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