Royal Colonies

Definition

Royal colonies were territories in the Americas that were directly controlled by the monarchy of England through appointed governors. These colonies were established to exert greater control over colonial affairs, often leading to a more centralized government structure and increased British influence over colonial economies and politics, particularly during the period of European contact and colonization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Royal colonies were typically established when a colony was deemed too unstable or problematic for proprietary or charter governance.
2. Governors of royal colonies were appointed by the king and often had significant authority, including veto power over local legislation.
3. The transition from proprietary to royal status was common when colonies faced issues like unrest or economic difficulties.
4. Royal colonies had to follow strict regulations set by the British crown, including trade restrictions that favored British merchants.
5. Some notable royal colonies included Virginia, New York, and Massachusetts, each reflecting different aspects of royal governance.

Review Questions

• How did the governance structure of royal colonies differ from that of proprietary colonies?
  • Royal colonies were governed directly by the monarchy through appointed governors who had substantial authority over colonial affairs. In contrast, proprietary colonies were granted to individuals or groups who had more freedom to establish their own governance structures. This distinction meant that royal colonies often faced stricter regulations and oversight from England, while proprietary colonies enjoyed a greater degree of self-governance.
• Discuss the economic implications of royal colonies on local economies and their relationship with Britain.
  • Royal colonies were required to adhere to mercantilist policies imposed by the British crown, which aimed to benefit the mother country economically. This often resulted in restrictions on trade, forcing colonies to trade primarily with Britain and limiting their economic independence. Such policies created tensions as colonists felt restricted in their economic activities, which ultimately contributed to colonial dissatisfaction and desires for greater autonomy.
• Evaluate the impact of royal colonies on the development of political structures in the American colonies leading up to the Revolution.
  • The establishment of royal colonies significantly influenced political development in America by centralizing authority under governors appointed by the crown. This led to conflicts between colonial assemblies and governors as colonists sought greater representation and control over their own affairs. The frustration with royal authority contributed to growing revolutionary sentiments among colonists, as they increasingly opposed the centralized governance that characterized royal colonies, laying groundwork for eventual independence.

Related terms

Proprietary Colonies:

Colonies that were granted to individuals or groups by the British crown, allowing them significant autonomy in governance compared to royal colonies.

Charter Colonies: Colonies established through charters granted by the crown, which allowed for self-governance and more independence than royal colonies.

Colonial Governance: The systems and structures used to manage and control colonies, including legislative assemblies, councils, and the roles of governors.