Britain and the American Revolution in the 1700’s.pptVIP

Britain and the American Revolution in the 1700’s Objectives What influences spurred Britain’s rise to global power? How did the growth of constitutional government reflect conditions in politics and society? How did George III reassert royal power? What were the chief characteristics of the 13 English colonies? How did growing discontent lead to the American Revolution? How did the new constitution reflect the ideas of the Enlightenment? Why Did Britain Rise to Global Power in the 1700s? 1) Location placed England in a position to control trade during the Renaissance. 2) In the 1700s, Britain was usually on the winning side in European conflicts. 3) England had developed a powerful navy, which could protect its growing empire and trade. 4) England was more open to business and commerce than its European rivals. 5) The union of England and Scotland brought economic advantages to both lands. United Kingdom of Great Britain Growth of Constitutional Government In the century following the Glorious Revolution (1688- Mary and William sign the English Bill of Rights) , three new political institutions arose in Britain: 1. Political parties emerged in England in the late 1600s. The first political parties, the Tories and the Whigs, represented small exclusive groups of wealthy men. 2. The cabinet system was a group of advisers to the prime minister. They were called the cabinet because they met in a small room. 3. The Prime Minister was the leader of the majority party in Parliament and in time the chief official of the British government. The appearance of these institutions was part of the evolution of Britain’s constitutional government, that is a government whose power is defined and limited by law. George III George III came to power anxious to reassert royal power. He wanted to end Whig domination choose his own ministers dissolve the cabinet system make Parliament follow his will. What kind of government does George III want to create? To complete his