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key term - Dominion of New England

Definition

The Dominion of New England was a short-lived administrative union of English colonies in the New England region, created in 1686 by King James II to consolidate control and reduce colonial autonomy. This centralized government aimed to streamline governance and enforce the Navigation Acts, but it faced resistance from colonists who were unhappy with the loss of self-rule and increased taxation, reflecting the tensions between colonial society and imperial authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Dominion of New England was established in 1686 and included several colonies such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and later New York and New Jersey.
  2. Sir Edmund Andros' administration was marked by heavy taxation and the suspension of local assemblies, which sparked widespread resentment among colonists.
  3. The Dominion was an attempt by King James II to strengthen royal control over the colonies, which contrasted sharply with the prevailing colonial desire for self-governance.
  4. The fall of the Dominion came after the Glorious Revolution, when colonists seized control back from Andros in 1689, reinstating their former colonial governments.
  5. The Dominion of New England is significant because it highlighted the growing discontent in the colonies towards British rule, setting the stage for future revolutionary sentiments.

Review Questions

  • How did the creation of the Dominion of New England reflect the relationship between colonial society and British authority during this period?
    • The creation of the Dominion of New England represented an effort by British authorities to exert greater control over colonial affairs at a time when many colonists valued their autonomy. By unifying several colonies under a single administration led by Sir Edmund Andros, King James II aimed to enforce stricter adherence to trade laws like the Navigation Acts. However, this move was met with resistance as colonists felt their rights were being infringed upon, leading to increased tensions that foreshadowed future conflicts.
  • Discuss how Sir Edmund Andros' governance contributed to the decline of the Dominion of New England.
    • Sir Edmund Andros' governance played a pivotal role in the decline of the Dominion of New England due to his unpopular policies. His enforcement of high taxes, along with the suspension of local assemblies and imposition of direct control, alienated many colonists who had enjoyed a degree of self-governance before his arrival. This resentment culminated in widespread dissent, which ultimately fueled efforts to overthrow his administration when news of the Glorious Revolution reached America.
  • Evaluate the implications of the Dominion of New England's establishment and subsequent collapse on colonial attitudes toward British rule leading into the 18th century.
    • The establishment and collapse of the Dominion of New England had significant implications for colonial attitudes toward British rule as it crystallized a sense of resistance against perceived tyranny. The centralized control under Andros exemplified a direct challenge to colonial self-governance and heightened awareness among colonists about their rights. As discontent brewed from Andros' rule and the eventual restoration of local governance following his ousting during the Glorious Revolution, many colonists began to question British authority more broadly, laying groundwork for future revolutionary sentiments that would emerge later in the 18th century.

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