British Colonialism in North America
Completion requirements
British Colonialism in North America
Great Britain became the world's most far-reaching global empire and as a result, the foremost global power. At the height of its power, the British Empire covered fully one-quarter of the surface of the world and population. The influences of Britain
still have an effect on international trade and language and many nations have social structures, government, and values based on British origins.
British claims to North America dated to the explorations of Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot), an Italian explorer contracted to the English king. Initially, much like the French, the English imperial model relied on entrepreneurs to create colonies.
The imperial conflicts of European countries spilled into a global conflict known as the Seven Years War. This was in many ways the first global war. Eventually both the French and the English enlisted the aid of native warriors to extend their imperial goals. In North America, this conflict became known as the French and Indian War. The war reached its conclusion when the British were able to defeat French forces on the Plains of Abraham outside of Quebec City. The importance of recognizing Aboriginal claims was addressed in the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Native lands were created in the Ohio River valley and later confirmed in the Quebec Act, 1774.
Later, a series of repressive acts by the British government so infuriated the American colonists that they revolted against British rule. Eventually, the American colonies won their independence, and the British Empire was diminished in North America. Throughout this conflict, and later during the War of 1812, native warriors again were used by both sides to further imperialist aims.
British claims to North America dated to the explorations of Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot), an Italian explorer contracted to the English king. Initially, much like the French, the English imperial model relied on entrepreneurs to create colonies.
The imperial conflicts of European countries spilled into a global conflict known as the Seven Years War. This was in many ways the first global war. Eventually both the French and the English enlisted the aid of native warriors to extend their imperial goals. In North America, this conflict became known as the French and Indian War. The war reached its conclusion when the British were able to defeat French forces on the Plains of Abraham outside of Quebec City. The importance of recognizing Aboriginal claims was addressed in the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Native lands were created in the Ohio River valley and later confirmed in the Quebec Act, 1774.
Later, a series of repressive acts by the British government so infuriated the American colonists that they revolted against British rule. Eventually, the American colonies won their independence, and the British Empire was diminished in North America. Throughout this conflict, and later during the War of 1812, native warriors again were used by both sides to further imperialist aims.
The Hudson's Bay Company was created by a group of investors in London who had managed to obtain a huge land grant from the English King, which gave them control over most of what is now Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Initially, they were content
to set up trading forts at different points of the coast and wait for the First Nations people to bring furs for trade, but when a new company called The Northwest Company was established in Montreal, the competition for furs caused both companies
to push farther and farther inland to establish trading posts. This competition would open up new transportation routes to the interior, which invited new settlement.
Gradually, new settlements would begin to be created in the west, especially after the Highland Clearances in Scotland forced many people to emigrate to Canada. Roughly 750,000 people would come to Canada in the period between 1790 and 1845.
Gradually, new settlements would begin to be created in the west, especially after the Highland Clearances in Scotland forced many people to emigrate to Canada. Roughly 750,000 people would come to Canada in the period between 1790 and 1845.