British Colonial Policy - 1754 1765 #228240

The comparatively short period of time embraced within the dates of 1754 and 1765 was filled with events of momen tous importance in the history of the British Empire. These few years witnessed both a vast extension of the Empire, and also the organized beginnings of a movement tendn toward its disruption. In so far as any war can decide so fundamental an event apart from the underlying condi tions predetermining its issue, the success of British arms in America decided that the civilization of North America was to be anglo-saxon, not Latin in character. In India a signal, though not a final, check was given to French ambi tions, and a firm foundation was laid for future British politi cal Supremacy. In West Africa also a policy of territorial acquisition was definitely adopted. It is not the purpose of this essay to describe these well-known events. The prospects of future imperial expansion, disclosed by the victories in India and in Africa, will be disregarded, and attention will be paid solely to the Empire in America.