Final Answer:
The British considered it treason for colonists to meet to discuss going to war because they viewed such gatherings as a threat to their authority and control over the American colonies. The discussions about going to war implied defiance against British rule and were seen as acts of rebellion, challenging the established order. The British government sought to suppress any organized resistance and maintain colonial subordination.
Step-by-step explanation:
British Concerns: The British feared that colonists meeting to discuss war implied a united front against British rule, threatening their control over the colonies.
Defiance and Rebellion: Discussions about going to war suggested a willingness to resist British authority, which was considered treasonous as it undermined the established order.
Suppression of Resistance: The British aimed to suppress any organized resistance, preventing the colonies from forming a cohesive force challenging British rule.
Maintenance of Subordination: Treating such meetings as treason helped the British maintain colonial subordination and discourage any attempts at self-governance.