“Niagara at most should be my furthest Post in that quarter . . . By this Means we may keep up a Trade with the most distant Nations, retain their good Opinion, and totally prevent any Jealousy of our intending them any ill. . . . As we increase in Numbers on this Continent, it’s easy and Safe to advance our settlements in Townships, though this I would do only by Cession or by Purchase of the Lands to prevent the Shadow of an Excuse for the Indians to quarrel with us.”

-Source: Colonel William Eyre, as printed in The First Global War: Britain, France, and the Fate of North America, 1756-1775, 1764
The excerpt is best understood as a response to which of the following historical developments?
Choose 1 answer:
Choose 1 answer:
(Choice A) the institution of new taxes on the colonies to pay for global conflicts
A
the institution of new taxes on the colonies to pay for global conflicts
(Choice B, Checked) the creation of alliances with indigenous nations to fight the French and Spanish
B
the creation of alliances with indigenous nations to fight the French and Spanish
(Choice C) the acquisition of new territory from France following the Seven Years’ War
C
the acquisition of new territory from France following the Seven Years’ War
(Choice D) the decision to enforce the Navigation Acts in the colonies
D
the decision to enforce the Navigation Acts in the colonies

1 answer

The excerpt from Colonel William Eyre is best understood as a response to (Choice C) the acquisition of new territory from France following the Seven Years' War.

In the context of the time, after the French and Indian War (part of the global Seven Years’ War), Britain gained significant territory in North America. Eyre's comments regarding the need to maintain good relations with indigenous nations and to acquire land through cession or purchase reflect the colonial strategy in managing relationships with Native American tribes and the newly acquired lands. His concern about preventing any jealousy from indigenous nations indicates an awareness of the complexities of expansion and the necessity to build alliances while also expanding colonial settlements.