key term - Sir Edmund Andros

Definition

Sir Edmund Andros was a colonial administrator who served as the governor of the Dominion of New England from 1686 to 1689. His leadership marked a significant shift in colonial governance, emphasizing increased control over the colonies and often leading to tensions with both colonists and Native Americans. Andros's rule is notable for its impact on colonial society, culture, and the interactions between European settlers and Native populations during a time of growing unrest and conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andros implemented strict rules and regulations that angered many colonists, including the enforcement of the Navigation Acts which restricted trade.
2. His administration was characterized by a lack of respect for colonial charters and local governance, leading to widespread discontent.
3. Andros's rule coincided with increased tensions between European settlers and Native American tribes, as he sought to consolidate power and manage land disputes.
4. The Glorious Revolution in England sparked protests in the colonies, leading to the overthrow of Andros in 1689 as colonists sought to restore their rights.
5. After his removal, Andros briefly attempted to regain control but ultimately returned to England, marking a significant shift back to local governance.

Review Questions

• How did Sir Edmund Andros's governance style affect colonial society in New England?
  • Sir Edmund Andros's governance style was marked by authoritarian measures that frustrated many colonists. He enforced strict regulations and undermined local governance, which led to widespread resentment among the populace. This dissatisfaction contributed to growing sentiments for independence and self-governance, ultimately laying the groundwork for future resistance against British authority.
• Evaluate the impact of the Glorious Revolution on Sir Edmund Andros's rule and its implications for colonial governance.
  • The Glorious Revolution had a profound impact on Sir Edmund Andros's rule as it galvanized colonial opposition to his authority. When news of King James II's overthrow reached America, it prompted colonists to revolt against Andros, culminating in his arrest and removal. This shift not only restored traditional colonial governments but also set a precedent for challenging royal authority in the future, fundamentally changing the relationship between England and its colonies.
• Analyze how Andros's interactions with Native Americans reflected broader tensions between European settlers and indigenous populations during his governorship.
  • Sir Edmund Andros's interactions with Native Americans were marked by attempts to exert control over land and resources, which heightened existing tensions. His administration's policies often disregarded native land rights, leading to conflicts as settlers expanded their territories. These dynamics underscored the broader struggles for power and survival that characterized European-Native American relations during this period, illustrating how colonial ambitions often came at the expense of indigenous communities.

Related terms

Dominion of New England:

A short-lived administrative union of English colonies in the New England region created by King James II, aimed at increasing royal control.

Glorious Revolution:

The 1688 coup in England that resulted in the overthrow of King James II, significantly affecting colonial governance and leading to Andros's removal from power.

Colonial Resistance:

The opposition by American colonists to British policies and authority, which became more pronounced during Andros's governorship.