Conflict and American Independence, 1754–1800

Some colonists rejected Enlightenment ideas altogether favoring traditional monarchy-based rule thus supporting increased ties with Great Britain.

Colonial leaders utilized Enlightenment concepts such as natural rights and social contracts as justification for rejecting Parliamentary authority absent direct representation.

Others interpreted Enlightenment rationalism as reason enough for improved compliance with crown laws believing legal reform would follow logically.

A subset emphasized religious aspects from Enlightenment thinking leading them seek separation church-state matters distinctly apart political issues taxation.

Britain emerged as the dominant global power, increasing colonial holdings worldwide.

France maintained possession of key North American territories despite losing waterfront property.

Spain lost significant territories, including Florida and other holdings in North America.

Sweden established more colonies in North America under a trade agreement with Britain after the war.

The Treaty of Westphalia

The Treaty of Utrecht

The Treaty of Paris

The Treaty of Versailles

Promotion of democratic ideals leading to independence.

Economic motivations driving colonial dissent against British rule.

Enlightenment thought influencing colonial governance.

Expectation of loyalty and suppression of rebellion by subjects.

Benjamin Franklin

Thomas Jefferson

George Washington

William Pitt

Ohio Valley

Western Canada

Eastern Canada

Florida

John Locke

William Pitt

Benjamin Franklin

George Washington

It conveyed his reservations about alliances with French and Indian entities.

It emphasized the importance of unity among the colonies for collective defense against external threats.

It underscored his advocacy for the immediate severance of political ties with Great Britain.

It highlighted his endorsement of British governance in the American colonies.

His understanding and consideration of colonial grievances in policy changes.

His inclination towards diplomacy and peaceful resolution with the colonies.

His view of the colonial rebellion as a threat to British sovereignty and his duty to suppress it.

His support for democratic reforms within the colonial governance system.

Colonies might have fought among themselves over western land claims without a common enemy.

Greater cooperation with Native Americans could have led to early adoption of policies respecting tribal sovereignty.

Increased colonial dependence on Britain due to lack of perceived frontier threats may have delayed independence movements.

An uninterrupted westward expansion could lead to earlier conflicts between slave and non-slave states over new territories.