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The Royal Proclamation of 1763 #2

What seemed simple to the British, was not acceptable to their colonial subjects. This remedy did not address concerns vitally important to the colonies. Colonial blood had been shed to fight the French and Indians, not to cede land to them.

The colonists already began to set their sights on expanding their western boundaries. They felt that Britain wanted to keep the American colonists under control to the east of the mountains, where they could be watched. Consequently, the colonists rejected the Royal Proclamation of 1763 just as they had rejected the mercantile laws. Scores of wagons headed westward. It was nearly impossible for the British to enforce this decree.

The Proclamation of 1763 merely became part of the long list of events in which the intent and actions of one side was misunderstood or disregarded by the other.


Source: The Royal Proclamation of 1763 #2
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