'A Posture of Hostility': A Reconsideration of Some Aspects of the Origins of the American Revolution.

Between 1748 and 1756 Great Britain abandoned its policy of accommodation and conciliation toward the colonies for one of strict control. Motivated by a recognition of the colonies' growing importance and a fear that British authority was weakening throughout the empire, the Board of Trade acted vigorously to enlarge its powers, but failed to achieve its objectives. This policy expanded greatly after 1763, and eventually pushed the colonists into rebellion. 118 notes.