What was the point of view of the British in the American Revolution?

In fact, the prevailing attitude in Britain was that the colonies owed the nation for everything it had provided to them, including protection, economy, and supplies. Of course, as Britain had heavily invested in America, British merchants were very concerned in the trade disruption that the revolution presented.

Why do we consider the conflict between the colonies and Great Britain to be a revolution?

The American Revolution was principally caused by colonial opposition to British attempts to impose greater control over the colonies and to make them repay the crown for its defense of them during the French and Indian War (1754–63).

How did Britain view the American colonies?

The American colonists thought of themselves as citizens of Great Britain and subjects of King George III. They were tied to Britain through trade and by the way they were governed. Britain also needed money to pay for its war debts. The King and Parliament believed they had the right to tax the colonies.

How did the British view the Boston Massacre?

Patriots argued the event was the massacre of civilians perpetrated by the British Army, while loyalists argued that it was an unfortunate accident, the result of self-defense of the British soldiers from a threatening and dangerous mob.

What two events occurred in Boston that caused tension between British Parliament and the colonists?

Tensions began to grow, and in Boston in February 1770 a patriot mob attacked a British loyalist, who fired a gun at them, killing a boy. In the ensuing days brawls between colonists and British soldiers eventually culminated in the Boston Massacre.

How did English leaders understand the place and role of the American colonies in England’s empire?

How did English leaders understand the place and role of the American colonies in England’s empire? The role of the colonies was to produce raw materials and goods for commerce, and import manufactured goods from the mother country. English leaders saw the colonies only as a way to profit England.

Who was the arch-pessimist of the British situation?

In particular it was noted by, and arguably defined the thinking of, the arch-pessimist of Britain’s post-war situation, General Sir Henry Wilson (1864-1922), the British army’s Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

Is the British imperial system on the verge of collapse?

For Wilson, with Ireland having forced its way to independence, Egypt on the brink of negotiating a new settlement and India racked by mass political upheavals, the British imperial system seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

What happened to the original holders of Revolutionary War war certificates?

Unfortunately, when redemption came many of the original holders had long since sold their certificates at heavy discounts. From beginning to end during the Revolutionary War, the brunt of the fighting was borne by line troops, companies composed of men enlisted for not less than six months and frequently for the duration of the war.

What was Wilson’s view on the post-war situation?

Wilson’s sense of resignation with regards to the post-war situation only grew during the following years. By the time he retired he was forthright in expressing the view that the British Empire was far worse off than it had been at the start of the First World War.