1. Mercantilism and Economic Control:
The British government primarily viewed the American colonies as a source of raw materials and a market for English manufactured goods. They implemented mercantilist policies that aimed to benefit the English economy. This included the Navigation Acts, which restricted colonial trade to English ships and ports.
2. Political Control and Imperial Authority:
The British sought to maintain political control and authority over the colonies. They established royal colonies directly governed by the British Crown, and appointed governors and other officials to oversee colonial affairs. This led to tensions between the colonies and the British authorities over issues of taxation, representation, and local autonomy.
3. Settlement and Expansion:
The British encouraged settlement in the colonies to expand the empire, increase economic activity, and secure their territorial claims in North America. They granted charters to individuals and companies to establish colonies and provided incentives for settlers, such as land grants and religious freedom.
4. Cultural Assimilation and Anglicization:
The English aimed to promote cultural assimilation and Anglicization in the colonies. They sought to spread English language, customs, laws, and institutions to create a unified British identity across the empire. This sometimes led to conflicts with non-English settlers and Native American populations.
5. Religious Tolerance and Diversity:
Compared to some other European powers, the English colonies were relatively tolerant of religious diversity. Various Protestant denominations were allowed to practice freely, and some colonies, like Rhode Island, were founded on principles of religious freedom.
6. Imperial Wars and Colonial Involvement:
The British often involved the American colonies in their imperial conflicts and wars, such as the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) and the French and Indian War (1754-1763). This led to financial burdens and military obligations for the colonists, contributing to growing discontent and tensions.
7. Taxation and Representation:
One of the major sources of conflict between the colonies and the British was the issue of taxation without representation. The British imposed various taxes on the colonies, such as the Stamp Act of 1765, which sparked protests and demands for greater representation in the British Parliament.
In summary, the English attitude towards the American colonies in the 1700s was shaped by a combination of economic, political, cultural, and imperial considerations. The tension between imperial authority and colonial autonomy, coupled with issues of taxation and representation, eventually culminated in the American Revolution and the colonies' pursuit of independence.