In 1763, nearly three centuries after Columbus’s first voyage, North America was still largely unsettled by Europeans. The British and French were vying for influence over the continent. Indian Nations, who had initially welcomed and aided the European newcomers, had formed alliances with various powers (and each other) and played decisive roles in numerous struggles. Many Indian Nations in the interior remained unconquered. The rivalry between the European powers was fierce, and the tenacity of the alliance that developed between the Indians and the French nearly toppled the British.
Nevertheless, at Quebec City, in the heart of French territory, General Wolfe defeated General Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham in 1759 and the French era was over. The suspicion toward the British of the Indians who had fought with the French led to “Pontiac’s Rebellion,” in which nearly a dozen forts were destroyed. The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was intended to make peace after the fighting and to consolidate the British hold on North America. Specifically, the proclamation recognized Indian ownership interests in all unsettled lands, and formalized the process of acquiring such lands from Indians. Settlers were prohibited from encroaching on un ceded Indian territories. When it became necessary to negotiate with First Nations over territory, the British would convene a meeting at which terms of purchase would be agreed upon, and a commitment to peace and settlement would occur in the form of a treaty.
The Essay on British, French, And Spanish Imperial Goals In North America
Between the late 1500s and mid-late 1600s, there was a huge boom in the interests of colonization in the Americas. The British, French, and Spanish had sought after these new found lands for many different reasons. The intentions of the British and Spanish were similar in that most of their colonists were interested in economic benefits such as agricultural colonies that would yield cash crops for ...
When American independence was achieved, the royal proclamation ceased to apply to the new territory of the United States. However, it continued to set the pattern for treaty making in the remainder of British North America. It should be borne in mind that despite European portrayals of First Nations as “savages,” a strong tradition of covenant making already existed among them. Treaty like agreements fit well with Indian experience and were easily understood by native leaders.
For First Nations, however, such agreements were more than simple political commitments; they were sacred covenants witnessed by the Creator. Indians believed that breaking such arrangements would bring dire spiritual repercussions.
