Worlds Turned Upside Down Episode 4: The Empire
Dec 12, 2023
Fred Anderson, a renowned historian, dives into the aftermath of the Seven Years' War, revealing how Britain's victory reshaped North America and its global power. Max Edelson unpacks Britain's strategic advantage during the Treaty of Paris, detailing territorial negotiations that aimed to mitigate future threats. John Kukla discusses the political upheavals in Britain, highlighting how shifts in leadership influenced peace decisions. The guests also explore the staggering financial costs of the war, colonial frustrations over taxes, and plans for imperial governance.
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Scottish Immigrants Building Gulf Plantations
- Isabella Christie sailed from Scotland to West Florida in 1769 to join her husband James Bruce and start plantation life.
- Their enslaved workers were given Scottish names like Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Cathness, tying migration to forced labor.
War's Aftermath Reshaped Imperial Expectations
- The Seven Years' War extended beyond 1760 and reshaped imperial expectations through 1763.
- Prolonged warfare and late conquests created new geopolitical pressures and costs for Britain.
War Debt Drove Policy Choices
- By 1761 Britain spent roughly £20 million yearly on the war, with revenues covering only a fraction.
- Half of government revenue went to interest on debt, creating a fiscal crisis that drove policy choices.