1. Ch. 7
The Road to Revolution

2. Road to Revolution
Colonists have not only weathered skirmishes w/ Indians, but weather and disease.
They’ve fought for the British.
They’ve been taxed by the British.
They are far away from the British.
Beginning to feel American.

3. Mercantilism Common belief and practice in Europe.
Nations competed not only politically, but economically.
How could you be winning?????
Colonists were the pawn in this economic game.
All exports to England and all imports from England.

4. Mercantilism
Colonists were not allowed to produce items that were being made in England.
Why?
Gold and silver money was being transported from colonies to Britain
Many colonies started to print own money and use barter system.
King had veto over colonial laws.

5. Mercantilism
Mercantilism also was favorable to the Americans at times.
Tobacco grown in America was only tobacco in England (cheap, though)
Most timber and ship supplies came from New England – lucrative business
Colonies still protected by most powerful navy in world – at no cost.

6. Mercantilism
Still, this type of economic activity prevented early Americans from growing economically.
Southern colonies fared better than in the North – exclusive crops.
Many colonials faced burdensome debts because they could not trade freely.
Colonists felt used and abused. Talk was beginning about a revolution in the 1760’s