“Colonial government successfully established royal authority.” Discuss with reference to British and French political organization in their North American colonies.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that colonial government was successful in establishing royal authority in British and French North America. Candidates may offer equal coverage of British and French North America, or they may prioritize their discussion of one of them. However, both regions will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the extent to which governors could exercise royal authority in colonies and refer to, for example, the competing interests between royal authority and the colonists. They may claim that royal attempts to control trade (ie, Navigation Acts) were ineffective and furthered the colonial challenge of royal authority. Candidates may argue that events in Europe such as the English Civil War or the French Revolution, challenged the successful establishment of royal authority. Other relevant factors such as the remoteness of Europe could be discussed. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that colonial government was successful in establishing royal authority in British and French North America.