The American Revolution

Diego SerratoHistory 140

Colonial and Indian War• During the Nine Years War, the

enhanced English military proved of little benefit to the colonist.

• As a relatively small realm perilously close to powerful France, the English first had to protect themselves and their Dutch allies from invasion

• The English could send few soldiers and vessels to the distant colonies because most of their troops were posted in Ireland or Flanders and most of their warships in the English channel

• Most of the resources sent to the colonies defended the English West Indies

Union• In the peace treaty the French and

Spanish also recognized the new English union with Scotland.

• Scots pride urged political independence, but the country’s economic dependence on England argued instead for a tighter union.

• Many Scots wanted improved access to the English market for their commodities, principally linen and cattle.

• In 1705 the English threatened to close their border to trade unless the Scots negotiated a more complete union.

Commerce and Empire• The British triumphs in war, in the

peace treaty, in crafting the British Union, and in crushing the pirates marked a revolutionary transformation in the realm’s power.

• The British largely built their prowess at French expense, but British also eclipsed their ostensible allies the Dutch.

• By 1713 the Dutch navy was only half the size of the British.

• British naval supremacy primarily rested on financial resources and the political consensus for spending them on fleet.