The Impact of the Glorious Revolution on England's Colonies
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 is one of the most significant events in English history. It not only resulted in the ousting of the incumbent King James II, but also ushered in a new era of constitutional monarchy and Parliamentarian rule. The Glorious Revolution had a profound impact on the relationship between England and its colonies.
In the aftermath of the Revolution, England became a much more stable and prosperous country. This increased English confidence and power, which was reflected in its attitude and policies towards its colonies. The English became more assertive in their dealings with the colonies, and sought to exert greater control over them. This was evident in the establishment of the Board of Trade in 1696, which gave the English government greater oversight of colonial affairs. The English also began to impose stricter trade regulations on the colonies, and to intervene more frequently in colonial disputes.
The increased English confidence and power also led to a growing sense of English nationalism. This was reflected in the way that the English began to view the colonies – as subordinate parts of the English nation, rather than as independent entities. This attitude was evident in the 1707 Act of Union, which merged the English and Scottish crowns, and in the 1733 Molasses Act, which placed heavy taxes on colonial imports in order to benefit English merchants.
The increased English assertiveness towards its colonies was not always welcomed. In some cases, it led to resistance and conflict. The most notable example of this was the American Revolution of 1776, which was precipitated by the English attempts to impose greater control over the colonies.
Overall, the Glorious Revolution had a profound impact on relations between England and its colonies. It led to a more assertive and confident English attitude towards the colonies, which in turn led to increased regulation and control. This increased English assertiveness was not always welcomed, and in some cases led to resistance and conflict.