Real authority rested in the Privy Council, the admiralty, and the treasury Few London officials had ever visited America; agents from the colonies were sent to England to represent interests. Benjamin Franklin was an agent who represented Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey and Massachusetts Appointees to the colonies generally were as a result of bribes or favoritism; the best man for the job most often was not the one chosen for the job Customs officials were particularly known for their less than honest dealings Weakness in British administrative authority and character of officials sent to the colonies both weakened the hold of Britain over their colonies Colonial legislatures were the most resistant to imperial authority; by the 1750’s assemblies had claimed the rights to levy taxes, make appropriations, approve appointments and pass laws These assemblies came to look at themselves as ‘little Parliaments” and with their power over the budget, wielded power over the royally-appointed governor of their colony The Colonies Divided Colonists often felt stronger ties to England than they did to the other colonies In spite of their differences, colonies could not avoid making connections with one another Increased growth led to the construction of and the rise of intercolonial trade. The colonial postal service helped increase communication
Real authority rested in the Privy Council, the admiralty, and the treasury Few London officials had ever visited America; agents from the colonies were sent to England to represent interests. Benjamin Franklin was an agent who represented Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey and Massachusetts Appointees to the colonies generally were as a result of bribes or favoritism; the best man for the job most often was not the one chosen for the job Customs officials were particularly known for their less than honest dealings Weakness in British administrative authority and character of officials sent to the colonies both weakened the hold of Britain over their colonies Colonial legislatures were the most resistant to imperial authority; by the 1750’s assemblies had claimed the rights to levy taxes, make appropriations, approve appointments and pass laws These assemblies came to look at themselves as ‘little Parliaments” and with their power over the budget, wielded power over the royally-appointed governor of their colony The Colonies Divided Colonists often felt stronger ties to England than they did to the other colonies In spite of their differences, colonies could not avoid making connections with one another Increased growth led to the construction of and the rise of intercolonial trade. The colonial postal service helped increase communication
AP_04_Lecture-_Notes1.docx