Seven Years' War, American Revolution & Industrial Revolution

1756 – 1763: Seven Years' War

It was a global war with varied effects. East American colonies were restricted from westward expansion, while French colonies had the opportunity to expand west. This disparity was a significant cause of the war.

The French were defeated, and their territories were taken by England.

The victory was costly. To recover, England imposed taxation, notably the Stamp Act, which taxed legal documents in the colonies. The colonies protested, arguing against taxation without representation in Parliament. Violent reactions, such as in Boston, ensued. England maintained taxes on certain products, like tea.

In 1773, The Boston Tea Party occurred. Citizens of Boston, disguised as Mohawks, threw tea cargo into the sea.

England responded aggressively, sending soldiers to the colonies, which led to the War of Independence (1775-1783). The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

Taxation was not the sole cause of the war. Other factors included the restriction on westward expansion and the prohibition of colonial manufacturing. Colonies were forced to pay high prices for goods from England.

This led to a civil war that lasted until 1782. It influenced Europe, inspiring the French Revolution (1789), demonstrating that fighting for independence was possible.

India, initially a commercial station, saw the British government take control from the private commercial company.

Early Stages of the Industrial Revolution

1748 was a pivotal year as England consolidated trade after its war victories, establishing a global market. This was a key condition for the Industrial Revolution. England became the first industrial nation.

Why England?

The first Industrial Revolution began in England because all necessary conditions were present, including:

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