The Classical Period of the First British Empire, 1689-1783: The Foundations of a Colonial System of Government

Beginning with the consolidation of British colonial rule and ending with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, the years 1689-1783 marked a new era for the British imperial system, both in the economic relations of Britain and her colonies and in the growth of the political, constitutional, and legal status of the colonies and the institutions for their government. The documents trace the attack on, and defense of charters; attempts at consolidation and union; the application and evolution of colonial law; and the workings of the machinery of government (government, counsels, assemblies, judiciary, etc.) with emphasis on the central problem of revenue: leading to the crisis in, and loss of, the American empire. An extensive introduction places the developments of this century in historical perspective and suggests their importance for a complete understanding of British imperial history.