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The French and Indian War
War Aftermath
The french and indian war lasted from 1754 to 1763 and caused many changes in the American Colonies. These economical, political and ideological changes altered the relationship between the Colonies and Great Britain and would eventually help start a revolution.
As far as politics go, a major effect of the war was the removal of the French from North America. This meant that the colonies were no longer surrounded by the French territory and were free to roam the back country....or so they thought. In order to avoid further conflict with the Native Americans, the British set the Proclamamtion line of 1763, forbidding colonists from settling there. This did not fly well with the colonists, who thought they deserved more freedom after being so loyal. "Adiu Adiu to Liberty" reads the Pennsylvania newspaper.
The colonists' new attitude towards the British is one example of an ideological change. The number of colonists questioning the British way was increasing. For instance, one Massachusetts soldier began to recognize the differences in liberty between himself and the British soldier. He writes in his diary "...and though we be Englishmen born, we are debarred Englishment's liberty." Benjamin Franklin also recognizes this difference, and, in reference to Britain's new taxes on the colonies, warns that this treatment may cause rebellion.
Economically, everyone was in debt after the war. In order to help pay this debt off, Britain passed a number of acts, taxing the colonists. The colonists did not like these taxes and many began to rebel. John Hancock even began smuggling rum to sell at cheaper prices. The British council referred to this in their 1763 report..."we observe with concern that through neglect, connivance, and fraud, not only is revenue impaired, but the commerce of the colonies diverted from it's natural course.."
These are a few examples of changes in relations between Britain and it's American colonies. In short, the colonies began to show resentment towards their British crown. This resentment would build and eventually lead to a revolution (as Benjamin Franklin has predicted). The American colonies would fight for their independence.
Related Information on the French and Indian War
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