During the 18th century, important changes were seen in England which differed life both in Britain and the colonies. The future of the lower-middle class now looked brighter as an economy shift, created by the increase of mercantilism through the building of canals, allowed for more-expensive items to be sold at lower prices. At the same time, the middle classes who had little to no education, became learned and were able to rise up the economic scale, displaying signs of flexibility within the social hierarchy. However, the above could not have been in existence if it weren’t for Britain’s ongoing patriotic movement. Starting in the 1740’s, English citizens accepted an aggressive – Protestant identity; one which came with strong anti – French and anti – Catholic beliefs. This movement strengthened the bond between Brit’s and excluded all others.
Their strong patriotic state of mind led to a huge morale boost, which in turn led to their need to be emulated, primarily by the colonists. The colonists were soon overwhelmed with many and different goods, which set the trends and styles of the time. Moreover, the religious revolution/“Great Awakening” promoted an “Atlantic” culture, which united Britain with the colonists; the British were treating them better that the Irish. However, it may have been the case that Americans were proud being British, but the Brits saw the colonies as more of a subject, rather than joint citizens.
Although Britain seemed like it was on top of the world, a sudden change of events would lead to (governmental) unrest within. Politics in England was forever ruined by the death of Fredrick, the son of King George II in 1751. At that time, it was then known that the successor to the thrown would be George III’s grandson. Because George was only 13 at the time, members of Parliament who hoped to gain power swayed him easily.
Before and during his reign, George detested Parliament and found little use for it; they tried to make him retire. George, in order to cope with the pressure that was forced upon him by Parliament, cycled through various ministers. James Grenville, one of those ministers, put forth the Sugar and Stamp Acts in 1765. This created unrest in the colonies (specifically Boston— The Boston Massacre), and Lord Rockingham, the successor to Grenville, then repealed those acts. Rockingham also put forth the Declaratory Act. This act stated that Parliament had “supreme authority” over the colonies, and could enact legislature in “all cases whatsoever”.