History 18: U.S. History to 1865 - Lecture 4: Rule Britannia: The English Empire (1660-1763)

Lecture Overview

• Focus: English Empire
• Time Frame: 1660-1763
• Key Topics:
  • Glorious Revolution
  • Slavery
  • French and Indian War

Introduction

• Previous lectures covered France, Netherlands, and Spain in the New World.
• Main focus moving forward: British colonies and their history.
• Challenges in understanding U.S. history due to diverse colonial pasts.

Glorious Revolution

• Occurred after initial colonization but before full expansion.
• James II, a Catholic, became king of Protestant England.
  • Attempted to make England Catholic; unpopular move.
  • Wanted England to emulate France's wealth and status.
• Rise of Parliament's power:
  • Parliament took control from James II.
  • Installed Protestants William and Mary as monarchs.
  • Shifted power from monarchy to Parliament.
• Impact on colonies:
  • Rebellion in Boston against James II's appointees.
  • Precursor to colonial rebellion; alignment with Parliament.

Slavery

• Pre-Glorious Revolution:
  • Charles II formed the Royal African Company to trade slaves.
  • James II led the company; had a monopoly on slave trade.
  • 125,000 Africans transported with 20% dying during the Middle Passage.
• Post-Glorious Revolution:
  • William and Mary ended the monopoly; did not outlaw slavery.
  • Increase in slave transport due to lack of government control.
  • Survival led to arrival in West Indies and then English colonies.
• Life of Enslaved Africans:
  • Retained African customs and formed strong community bonds.
  • Resistance through subtle (feigned ignorance) and overt (revolts) methods.
  • Formation of maroon colonies and integration with Native Americans.

French and Indian War (1754-1763)

• Conflict between Britain and France extended to colonies.
• Territorial Disputes:
  • British (purple), French (pink), and disputed territories (yellow).
  • War involved colonists fighting for Britain, including future American leaders like George Washington.
• Ended with British gaining disputed territories.
  • Example: Expansion into Maine and Ohio.
• Impact on America:
  • Success for England, but seen as an English problem by colonists.
  • Named "French and Indian War" in America vs. "Seven Years' War" in Europe.
  • Created separation between colonies and England; led to tensions over war debt.
• Legacy:
  • Pivotal in setting the stage for the American Revolution.

Conclusion

• Next lecture will focus on the revolutions and their aftermath.
• Encouragement to engage with maps and images through provided resources.