A whole SERIES of CHANGES in Britain’s behavior toward its colonies as a result of the French & Indian War sowed the seeds of discontent and finally rebellion. Some of these originated with economic concerns (such as the need to PAY for the war), but others were based on the determination of the new young monarch, King George III, to truly *exercise* his authority as king: 1) For one thing (NOT the only thing), as many have noted, war debts to be paid off resulted in new taxes on the colonies — but not JUST out of need, but because they thought it “only fair” that the colonies should pay for their own defense 2) before the F & I War Britain had not been paying so much attention to the colonies — following a policy of “benign neglect”– and the colonies had become, in practice, very independent in governing themselves in their local affairs.. as well as trading fairly freely. There were duties on the BOOKS, but they were largely unenforced. After the F &
