The Proclamation of 1763
The acquisition of British territories in North America started in the mid 18th century. The Royal Proclamation of 1763, issued by King George III, marked the first official British possession in the continent. This Proclamation essentially laid out the boundaries of the possessions of the British Empire in North America, including the modern-day Canada, the eastern part of the United States, and significant parts of the Midwest. It forced British subjects and British soldiers to move west of the Appalachian Mountains or be arrested, and it declared that the western territory would remain Indian land.
The Proclamation also meant that Britain had gained control of almost all of the land in the eastern region of North America, bringing it a step closer to its goal of establishing a viable North American empire. It was the first legal instrument to give Great Britain effective governing power in the colonies. Following this Proclamation, the boundary was expanded further to include the Caribbean Islands, and other regions in the continent.
The Treaty of Paris
The next major step taken by Britain towards establishing its dominance in North America was to sign the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This treaty ended the American Revolutionary War and provided Britain with the opportunity to abolish the rebellious colonies and move further westward. The terms did not have any provisions with regards to the boundary of British possessions in North America; however, it clearly stipulated the limits of colonial settlements. This meant that the French possessions of Canada and what is now Michigan were ceded to Britain.
In addition to a provision to grant Indians the free use of land they occupied, the treaty also made sure that American citizens were banned from settling in the newly acquired territories. This was meant to prevent the new colonies from becoming problematic in terms of relations with Native Americans. This treaty provided the boundaries of Britain’s North American possessions and effectively ceded the eastern region to the British Crown fully.
The Jay Treaty
In the mid-1790s, the Jay Treaty was signed between the newly formed United States of America and Great Britain. This treaty tackled various issues relating to commerce and navigation,and provided the United States with access to the Great Lakes. It also provided the land west of the Appalachian Mountains up to the Mississippi River to Britain. This meant that Britain had control of a huge stretch of land, stretching from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. This region became known as the British West Indies, and the territories included the Caribbean Islands, Jamaica, and Florida.
The Jay Treaty drew criticism from both sides of the Atlantic. In the US, it was seen as an attempt by Britain to cement their foothold in North America. On the other hand, it was seen as a betrayal of Britain’s commitment to keep the lands it had won in the Revolutionary War, and many felt that offering it to the US in exchange for free trade was not a good trade-off.
The Oregon Treaty
In 1846, the Oregon Treaty was signed between the United States and Great Britain, settling their disputes over the Oregon Territory. This treaty effectively gave the United States full control of the remaining territory in the West, as well as the modern-day Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. It also granted Britain control of the region now known as Washington state. This treaty effectively established the modern-day borders of the United States and Canada. Although the Oregon Treaty was seen by many as a British concession, it was also seen as an important step in firmly establishing the boundaries of the two nations.
This treaty marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation between Great Britain and the United States, and it provided a degree of peace and stability that had been lacking since the signing of the Jay Treaty. It also created an era of economic development in the region, and the two countries were soon trading goods and services with each other. The Oregon Treaty was also a milestone in the development of the British North American empire.
The Alaska Purchase
The Alaska Purchase in 1867 further strengthened Britain’s hold on North America. This agreement effectively ceded the region of modern-day Alaska to the United States, and it is seen as a major turning point in the settlement of the continent. The Alaska Purchase provided the US with a foothold in the Pacific Northwest, and it provided Britain with an economic boost thanks to the extraction of natural resources from the region.
The Alaska Purchase also served to strengthen the bonds between the two countries, as the US and Britain negotiated the agreement in good faith. Since the signing of the Alaska Purchase, the two countries have gone on to become close allies, and the trade relationship between them is down to this agreement.
Conclusion of British Domination
Throughout the process of acquiring and ceding their territories in North America, Great Britain achieved its goal of establishing a vast and successful North American empire. The Royal Proclamation of 1763, the Treaty of Paris, the Jay Treaty, the Oregon Treaty, and the Alaska Purchase all played a role in this process. Britain was able to secure its territories and successfully trade with the US and other countries in the region. It also established good relations with the indigenous people of North America, and it ultimately left behind a legacy of peace and prosperity.
Legacy of British Territory
The Great Britain of the 18th and 19th centuries left behind a legacy of territorial expansionism and a lasting influence on the countries of North America. The lands that the British Empire ceded to the US and Canada are now home to vibrant and flourishing nations, and their people enjoy the unique rights and freedoms that the British brought with them. This legacy is something that should be remembered and revered, as it has created a solid foundation for many of the countries in the region.
British Influence on North America
The legacy of British dominion in North America is still felt to this day. The culture, language, and even the legal system of the United States and Canada have been heavily influenced by the British Empire. Even today, the British system of common law is still in use in both countries. The system of government that the British used in their colonies is also a major influence in both the US and Canada, and the traditions of the British monarchy still live on in the countries of North America.
Current Relationship between US and UK
The US-British relationship has developed a lot since the 18th century. The economic partnership between the two countries has continued to grow, and the two countries now share a strong political, diplomatic, and military relationship. The US and Britain stand together on many major global challenges, and their alliance is seen as a symbol of strength and peace.
The two countries still share many of the same values that were so important to the British Empire in the past. The two countries are committed to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. This means that the legacy of British dominion in North America is still alive and well.
