Problem:
After the Seven Years' War, the British victory created a great sense of nationalism in the American colonies but it left the British Empire in severe debt. In order to maintain costs the British tried to hold a tighter leash on the American colonies by making sure they did not engage in costly wars with Native American tribes and helped pay the empire's debt. The expansion and development of the American colonies cemented the seeds for the subsequent American Revolution. Colonists did not see themselves as an extension of Britain but as proper British subjects who held rights protected under British laws and over the wealth produced in the colonies.
Prompt:
We are going to examine the development and growth of the American colonies. After years of slow growth, the British colonies developed rapidly during the eighteenth century. What accounted for this change? Was it the control of individuals and communities through slavery? Was it the mistreatment of the original inhabitants? Was it optimism and hard work? was it God's will? Was it a factor of broader European, and in particular British, economic growth? Pay attention not only to how the colonies changed materially and legally but also to the costs and benefits, drawbacks and gains. Additionally, look at how the first few documents emphasize the role of African explorations and slavery in British and colonial developments.
For this discussion question, you will be asked to evaluate the primary sources found in Chapter 3 of Major Problems in American History, Vol. 1: To 1877, Fourth Edition
Write 500 to 800 word analytical response that is supported by 2-3 documents. Your response must show clear indications of citing the documents you are using to support your argument.