Reference no: EM133666024

The Colonial System of Operation

The systems under which England managed its empire in the Americas changed over time. There were actually three distinct systems in play.

What was the first system called, and what were some of its key provisions over time.
What was the name of the system prior to the French & Indian (Seven Years') War, and what were its key elements? Why was it put in place?
What would you call the system after the French & Indian war? Why was this new system put in place? Describe its key provisions and how the colonies reacted to them.
Hypothesis: Can you think of a better way to try to accomplish the goals of this third system? How would YOU manage the colonies?
Reply to at least two of your classmates and offer your thoughts to their posts.
REPLY TO TWO POST:

1.The three systems of colonial management employed by England in the Americas were the proprietary system, the mercantilist system, which was prior to the French and Indian War, and the Imperial Reform System, which was after the French and Indian War. The first system was called the Proprietary system. Under this system, the English monarch granted land charters to individuals or group of individuals, known as proprietors, who then governed the colonies according to their own rules and regulations. Some of its key provisions were proprietors had significant autonomy in governing their colonies and economic activities were primarily focused on agriculture, with landownership being a key aspect of colonial society. The name of the system prior to the French and Indian War was the mercantilist system. This system emerged as England sought to exert tighter control over its colonies and maximize economic benefits. Some key elements of the mercantilist system were that the imposition of strict trade regulations aimed at benefitting the mother country, such as the Navigation Acts, which required colonial trade to be conducted using English ships and restricted certain exports to England. Also, it limited colonial autonomy and increased interference from England in colonial affairs. This system was put in place to ensure the England could extract maximum economic benefit from its colonies and maintain control over their economic activities. The system employed after the French and Indian war was the Imperial Reform System in an attempt to address various issues that had arisen during and after the conflict. This system aimed to centralize control over the colonies and maximize their contributions to British empire. Key provisions of the system were tighter control and increased taxation imposed on the colonies to help pay off war debts and maintain a military presence, as well as the establishment of new administrative structures, such as the appointment of royal governors, to strengthen British control over colonial affairs. Colonists reacted to these provisions with widespread discontent, leading to increased tensions, which ultimately led to the American Revolutionary War. To better accomplish the goals of successfully managing the colonies, a more inclusive and cooperative approach could have been adopted. Instead of relying solely on top-down control and measures that alienated the colonists, a system that respected colonial interests and provided avenues for meaning participation in decision-making could have been more affective. My management of the colonies would allow colonists to have a greater representation in Parliament, giving a voice of colonists in matters that directly affect them, I would implement policies that promotes economic success and development for both the colonies and the mother-country, also provide incentives for colonial cooperation and loyalty, and lastly respect colonial rights and traditions, while still asserting authority when necessary. Overall, a more collaborative and inclusive approach to colonial management could have potentially mitigated tensions and maintained a stronger tie between the colonies and the British Empire.