History 103 Assignment Paper: The Proclamation Of 1763

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HISTORY 103
Source I: The Proclamation of 1763
Context
The Proclamation of 1763 is a Royal Proclamation the King George III on behalf of the British. Great Britain sought to limit settlements West of Appalachia Mountains and in Native American lands. The decree was issued after the Seven Years War pitying the French and the Native American/ Indians. The Proclamation was meant to appease the Indians, and was biased against the colonists as their movements were restricted and the British would still collect taxes from them. The Proclamation targets the Native American and settlers and the British hoped that the decree would avert other conflicts with the Native Americans having already experienced Pontiac’s Rebellion. “From 1763 until 1765, the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Upper Susquehanna Valley areas were embroiled in a war between Pontiac’s confederacy and the British Empire, a war that ultimately forced the English to restructure how they managed Native-British relations and trade” (American Yawp# 7).
The Elements of Argument
The Proclamation mainly focuses on the property rights and the sovereignty of the Native American Nations and the Crown. (“In any of our colonies of Quebec, East Florida or West Florida, do presume, upon any pretence whatever, to grant warrants of survey, or pass any patents for lands beyond the bounds of their respective governments).” The source is making an argument that the Indians ought to allow the British crown to protect their interests and land. King George III tried to persuade the Natives that colonists would not take land away from them because they were protected by the crown. (“We do hereby strictly forbid, on pain of our displeasure, all our loving subjects from making any purchases or settlements whatever, or taking possession of any of lands above reserved.”) The author maintains a persuasive tone using words such as ‘royal consideration’ ‘declare, ‘enjoin’. The Proclamation begins by the four colonies Quebec, East, Florida West Florida, and Grenada that were to be established immediately, and declare that t...