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Great Britain's Existance
The United Kingdom of Great Britain's existence happened when the governments of England and Scotland were united. The term British came to refer to both the English and the Scots. -
British Colonies
In North America, Britain controlled Canada as well as the thirteen colonies on the eastern coast of what is now the United States. The British colonies were well populated, containing more than one million people by this time. -
The Diplomatic Revolution
Led to another worldwide war. The war's three major areas of conflict were Europe, India, and North America. -
Seven Years' War
This war was fought between 1756 and 1763. It went on for a seven year period, hence the name. It was a global conflict involving most of the great powers from that time and affected Europe, North America, Central America, the West African coast, India, and the Phillippines -
British defeated the French.
British forces under General Wolfe defeated the French under General Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham, outside Quebec. Both generals died in the battle. The British went on to seize Montreal, the Great Lakes area, and the Ohio River valley. The French were then forced to make peace. -
Proclamation of 1763
King George made this law which stated the colonists could not move westward over the Appalachian Mountains. -
Great Britain's Colonial Power
By the Treaty of Paris, the French transferred Canada and the lands east of the Mississippi to England. Spain, ally of the French, transferred Spanish Florida to British control. In return, the French gave their Louisiana territory to the Spanish. By 1763, Great Britain had become the world's greatest colonial power. -
Stamp Act
The tax stamps had to be put on 54 kinds of papers, including playing cards, newspapers, wills and licenses. The payments varied from one cent on a newspaper to ten dollars on a college diploma. The payments also had to be made in gold or silver. -
Townsend Act
The British passed this act. This act placed taxes on tea, glass, paper, and paint. Many colonists refused to pay the taxes or to buy any goods made in England. -
Diplomatic Recognition
Following a British defeat, the French granted diplomatic recognition to the new United States.