Britain
Definition
Britain, also known as the United Kingdom, is a country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. In the context of AP US History, it's particularly important because it was the colonial power that established 13 colonies on the east coast of North America, which later became the United States.
Analogy
Think of Britain like your school principal. Just as your principal sets rules and regulations for your school, Britain set laws and policies for its American colonies. But just like students might rebel against overly strict school rules, so too did the American colonists rebel against British control.
Related terms
Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
American Revolution: A war fought from 1775-1783 and won by 13 of Great Britain's North American colonies, which led to their becoming independent as the United States.
Treaty of Paris (1783): The agreement that officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized the sovereignty of the United States over territory bounded roughly by what is now Canada to the north, Florida to the south, and Mississippi River to west.
"Britain" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (17)
What was the primary policy employed by Britain to allow its American colonies freedom to govern themselves as long as they followed British rules on trade?
Which act passed by Britain led to widespread protest in the American colonies, resulting in the Boston Tea Party?
What if Britain had decided not to impose taxes on its American colonies; how would that decision impact transatlantic trade?
What might have been the alternate outcome if Britain had chosen to negotiate with colonists instead of implementing the Stamp Act in 1765?
At the end of the Seven Years' War, what territory did Spain receive as compensation for losing Florida to Britain?
What would be a possible consequence if Britain had opted for diplomacy instead of warfare with France during The Seven Years' War?
Which protest marked a turning point in relations between Britain and its American colonies prior to the Revolutionary War?
What differentiated Benjamin Franklin's diplomatic approach towards France from that towards Britain during Revolutionary War?
Who wrote "Common Sense," a pamphlet that played a crucial role in influencing public opinion towards supporting independence from Britain?
Which Secretary of State negotiated a treaty with Britain to reduce tensions and risk of war on America's northern border?
What is one consequence of the French and Indian War on relations between Britain and its American colonies?
What policy did President Thomas Jefferson pursue in order to avoid war with Britain following their continued violation of American neutrality?
What might have been the likely impact on the outcome of the Civil War had the Confederacy secured a formal alliance with Britain?
Who led American forces during Revolutionary War against Britain?
Who represented Britain at the Washington Naval Conference of 1921-22?
What effect might there have been if Britain failed to maintain control over its North African colonies during WWII?
Which act, signed into law in March of '41 supported cash-and-carry policy allowing Britain to buy U.S arms?
Resources
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