The document discusses the increasing strain on the relationship between Britain and its American colonies in the period leading up to the American Revolution. It outlines how the colonies began levying their own taxes and passing their own laws in the 1750s. While Britain practiced "salutary neglect" previously, it did not strongly enforce laws regulating colonial trade until 1763 after incurring large debts from the French and Indian War. The war was fought between Britain and France over territory in North America, and Britain's victory gave it control over new lands but also significant war debts. This led to changes in British policy under King George III and Prime Minister George Grenville, including increased taxation of the colonies to pay off war debts, angering the colon

1. PRELUDE TO THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION INCREASING STRAIN