make a frayer model of Dominion of New England

1 answer

Definition:
The Dominion of New England was a royal province in colonial America, created by King James II in 1686. It included a vast region encompassing present-day New England, New York, and New Jersey.

Characteristics:
1. Consolidation of Colonies: The Dominion of New England was formed by combining multiple colonies, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Plymouth, New York, and New Jersey.
2. Royal Administration: The region was governed by a royal governor appointed by the king, who had extensive powers and authority over local governments and colonial affairs.
3. Suppression of Colonial Assemblies: The creation of the Dominion of New England suspended the colonial assemblies and placed power in the hands of the royal governor and a council appointed by the king.
4. Enforcement of Navigation Acts: The Dominion enforced the Navigation Acts, which restricted trade with countries other than England. This led to increased tensions and unrest among colonists who desired more economic independence.
5. Increased Control from England: The establishment of the Dominion of New England was a part of King James II's efforts to exert more control over the colonies and strengthen the authority of the English monarchy.
6. Dissolved: The Dominion of New England was dissolved in 1689 following the Glorious Revolution in England, which overthrew King James II and led to a restoration of local governance and colonial assemblies.

Examples:
1. Sir Edmund Andros: He was appointed as the first governor of the Dominion of New England and was known for his strict and authoritarian rule.
2. Navigation Acts: The Dominion of New England played a major role in enforcing the Navigation Acts, which required colonial goods to be transported only in English ships and sold primarily to England.
3. Backlash and Revolt: The strict rule and enforcement of policies by the Dominion of New England sparked resistance among the colonists, leading to protests and, eventually, the overthrowing of the dominion.

Non-Examples:
1. Separation from England: The Dominion of New England was an attempt to increase control and centralize power, rather than promoting independence from England.
2. Permanent Establishment: The Dominion of New England was a short-lived entity, dissolved after only three years due to political changes in England.
3. Democratic Governance: The Dominion of New England suspended local assemblies and replaced them with royal governance, diminishing democratic representation.
4. Focus on the Southern Colonies: The Dominion of New England was primarily concerned with the Northern colonies, while the Southern colonies remained separate and unaffected.
5. Emancipation of Slavery: The Dominion of New England did not have a significant impact on the institution of slavery, which remained prevalent in the region.