North America in 1763
Generally, North Americans were not concerned with other countries' affairs. They were aware of global events, but colonists only worried about their immediate lives. There were many immigrants, but most citizens lived their entire lives in America (Calloway, 2006).
The European population of North America had been experiencing exponential growth for many decades. Virginia was the most populous British colony and Quebec was the most populous French colony. The most important Spanish colony was New Spain. The three largest cities in North America were Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston (Calloway, 2006). 1763 colonial life depended on slaves. Slaves were brought from Africa through the Middle Passage and were auctioned to wealthy landowners. Women slaves were treated more poorly than men, with no hope of gaining freedom. Runaway slaves were pursued tirelessly, and if caught, were punished severely. Native Americans were worried that Europeans would disturb their peace more than before the Seven Years' War. British and French generals were attempting to expand their colonies in North America westward. They invaded Native American lands as part of this process (Calloway, 2006). |
Click the pictures to learn more about North America in 1763.
Click to play "When the King Enjoys His Own Again," a popular British military tune in the Seven Years' War.
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