Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 was a critical event leading up to the American Revolution. The proclamation was issued on October 7, 1763 by King George III. There are two likely reasons that the proclamation was created. First, it was for the protection of the Natives from the settlers. The other reason was to pen the colonists along the Atlantic coast, making it easier for England to regulate them. The settlers had no say in the creation of the proclamation, and anger arose.
After the French and Indian War, the colonists were looking to explore the western frontier. Because the British had won the war, England had control over the eastern part of North America. The settlers wanted more land, which would enable them to make a bigger profit. They would be able to build new homes and have more room for large plantations. They also wanted to trade with the Natives. The victory in the war opened many opportunities to the colonists.
When the West was opened to the colonists, the conflicts with the Natives became more numerous. The Ottawa chief, Pontiac, was dissatisfied with the British rule. The Natives were no longer welcome in the forts, and the colonists would basically force them off their hunting grounds. Pontiac gathered the support of many of the Indian tribes. They then went on to attack the nearest British forts and settlements.
In retaliation, the settlers gave out blankets
to the Natives. The blankets were infected with smallpox, and many of
the Indians died. There was also a group named the Paxton Boys. They
went to a settlement of the Conestoga Indians, killed six Natives, and
kidnapped fourteen. Later on, they killed the prisoners as well.
To stop the conflicts between the Colonists and the Natives, England issued the Proclamation of 1763. It created a boundary line along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. The settlers were to live on the eastern side of the the line. Those who lived on the west side were forced to leave their homes and move. They were not payed for what they had lost, and it was difficult for many to start again. Settlers were now unable to expand their colonies westward like they had planned to.
To reinforce the boundary line, England put royal posts along the border. British officials were stationed there to keep settlers from crossing. It was to "protect" both the colonists and the Natives. The posts were very expensive, and because it was a service for the colonies, they were forced to pay more taxes. This angered the settlers, not only because of the money, but because they believed it was unfair.
To stop the conflicts between the Colonists and the Natives, England issued the Proclamation of 1763. It created a boundary line along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. The settlers were to live on the eastern side of the the line. Those who lived on the west side were forced to leave their homes and move. They were not payed for what they had lost, and it was difficult for many to start again. Settlers were now unable to expand their colonies westward like they had planned to.
To reinforce the boundary line, England put royal posts along the border. British officials were stationed there to keep settlers from crossing. It was to "protect" both the colonists and the Natives. The posts were very expensive, and because it was a service for the colonies, they were forced to pay more taxes. This angered the settlers, not only because of the money, but because they believed it was unfair.
The proclamation also said that they were not able to buy land from the Natives. Any purchases would be made by the Crown, and the settlers had no say in the transactions. Only licensed traders were allowed to cross the boundary line and trade furs with the Indians. Many people rebelled and bought illegal land anyways. Even George Washington gave full support in buying the land, for he believed it to be only a brief act to appease the Indians.
Finally, the boundary was moved outwards in 1768. In the Treaty of Stanwix, the Iroquois Indians agreed to give up land in present-day Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virgina, and New York. They were promised money, gifts, and the guarantee of a permanent border. The last promise was later broken, but at that moment, both sides were mainly content. The settlers were happy to have more land, and the Iroquois, although upsetting the Indian tribes that lived on that land, were satisfied with their benefits.
I think that the proclamation was both good and bad. It did help to stop the fights, which could have led to many more people dying. At the same time, it was first unfair to those that lived on the west side of the border. They were kicked out, and in my opinion, should have been given money or land to compensate with what they had lost. Also, the colonists were not able to voice their ideas and judgements. All deals, laws, promises, etc. were made by England. The settlers should have been able to have a say in what happened, since it was after all, their homes and land.
Finally, the boundary was moved outwards in 1768. In the Treaty of Stanwix, the Iroquois Indians agreed to give up land in present-day Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virgina, and New York. They were promised money, gifts, and the guarantee of a permanent border. The last promise was later broken, but at that moment, both sides were mainly content. The settlers were happy to have more land, and the Iroquois, although upsetting the Indian tribes that lived on that land, were satisfied with their benefits.
I think that the proclamation was both good and bad. It did help to stop the fights, which could have led to many more people dying. At the same time, it was first unfair to those that lived on the west side of the border. They were kicked out, and in my opinion, should have been given money or land to compensate with what they had lost. Also, the colonists were not able to voice their ideas and judgements. All deals, laws, promises, etc. were made by England. The settlers should have been able to have a say in what happened, since it was after all, their homes and land.
Test Questions
When the settlers gave blankets to the Natives, what were they infected with?
In what year was the boundary line moved outward?
In what year was the boundary line moved outward?