how was the relationship between britain and the colonies changing? Flashcards
what were the writs of assistance?
documents which served as a general search warrant allowing customs officers to enter any ship or building that they suspected for any reason might hold smuggled goods
when and where were the writs of assistance signed?
masachusetts, 1760
what were the consequences of the writs of assistance?
many homes were seized and ransacked
who was james otis?
a lawyer who claimed that the writs were ‘against fundamental principles of law’
why was james otis’ argument about inalienable rights significant?
is is commonly claimed that it is the motive for revolution
signs of a good relationship
independence was not an inevitability at his point - canada not fighting for independence
army, customs service were british - no single legal or monetary system separate to the 13 colonies
75,000 militiamen signed up to help britain fight the seven years war
british institutions kept colonies together - same monarchy, language and common laws
by 1763, there were no written sources suggesting separation
benjamin franklin -‘ i am a briton’
most people were christian in some form
colonial squabbles due to land border claims
colonies were divided due to different colonial laws
signs of a bad relationship
large bodies of non british people in usa - aware of something other than britishness - only 48% of colonists were english #
heightened sense of their own liberties
governors claimed they were dealing with a fully matured spirit of independence
proclamation line
mercantilism
writs of assistance
colonies more united - understanding the british needs for material
colonies developing fast - soon break ties
if britain asserted its rights, there would be a ruckus
no french at the border made the colonists more confident - less threat of invasion
