Semiquincentennial

On the road to independence it is worth noting a couple of key events  occurring here and abroad.  The Seven Years' War - sometimes called the French and Indian War - was a global conflict (1756-1763) between Britain and its allies against France and its allies.  Here, in North America, it was a battle against the French and their Native allies for territorial control. Britain emerged victorious and gained control over all of Canada and land east of the Mississippi making it the dominant power in North America.

Nevertheless, not all was good for the British Empire.  The conflict nearly doubled Britain's debt and in order to pay it off Parliament and the Crown imposed new taxes on their colonists.  The Sugar Act, Stamp Act and Townshend Acts and tighter enforcement of foreign trade encouraged the growth of colonial resistance.

In order to avoid conflict with Native Americans, at the close of hostilities, Britain restricted any further westward settlement.  Eager to expand into new lands the colonists were angered by the crown imposing this limitation. 

The war also involved the cooperation of colonial forces with British regulars imparting a significant measure of military training for civilian farmers and merchants.  Coincidentally, this training forced the colonies to cooperate with one another politically and otherwise; thus laying the groundwork for future collaboration against Britain.  The war also left troops in North America and a standing army was viewed by the colonists as an occupying force. 

Following the death of King George II, King George II acceded to the throne in 1760.  He was only 22 years old and his reign marked a turning point for the colonies as his policies and ministers made George a central target for colonial blame and resentment.  

He came to be viewed as a tyrant.