British Dominance

Definition

British dominance refers to the period during the 18th century when Great Britain emerged as the preeminent global power, particularly following its victory in the French and Indian War. This dominance was characterized by territorial expansion, economic superiority, and military strength, which allowed Britain to control vast areas of North America and the Caribbean, while also influencing global trade routes and colonial policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The French and Indian War significantly weakened France's presence in North America, paving the way for British territorial expansion.
2. British dominance after the war led to increased tensions with Native American tribes as colonists pushed westward into newly acquired lands.
3. The financial costs of the war prompted Britain to impose new taxes on its American colonies, setting the stage for future conflicts.
4. With control over Canada and Florida, British dominance established them as a leading colonial power, affecting global trade networks.
5. The war's outcome fueled Britain's naval power, allowing it to protect its interests and maintain a colonial empire that spanned multiple continents.

Review Questions

• How did the outcome of the French and Indian War contribute to Britain's rise as a dominant global power?
  • The French and Indian War marked a turning point for Britain, as it resulted in significant territorial gains in North America after defeating France. This victory eliminated France as a major competitor in the region and allowed Britain to expand its influence across the continent. The newfound territories not only increased Britain's wealth through resource extraction but also enhanced its strategic position in global trade, solidifying its status as a dominant power.
• Discuss how British dominance after the French and Indian War affected relations with Native American tribes.
  • Following British dominance established after the French and Indian War, relations with Native American tribes deteriorated significantly. As British colonists moved westward into newly acquired territories, Native Americans were often pushed off their land or forced into treaties that favored colonial expansion. This led to numerous conflicts and resistance movements among Native tribes who sought to protect their territory against encroaching settlers, contributing to long-lasting tensions between colonists and Indigenous peoples.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of British dominance in North America following the French and Indian War on subsequent events leading up to the American Revolution.
  • British dominance in North America after the French and Indian War set off a chain of events that culminated in the American Revolution. The financial burden of maintaining new territories led Britain to impose taxes on the colonies, which were met with widespread resistance from colonists who felt their rights were being violated. Additionally, the shift towards more direct British control over colonial governance fostered a growing sense of American identity separate from Britain. This discontent laid the groundwork for revolutionary sentiments as colonists increasingly sought independence from perceived British oppression.

Related terms

Seven Years' War: A global conflict that lasted from 1756 to 1763, often seen as a continuation of the French and Indian War, involving major European powers and resulting in significant territorial changes.

Treaty of Paris (1763): The agreement that ended the French and Indian War, which ceded significant territories in North America from France to Britain, solidifying British dominance in the region.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in regulating trade and commerce to increase national wealth, which heavily influenced British colonial policy during its period of dominance.