Lecture: The Colonial Struggle Against Arbitrary Rule in the Late 1600s, Revisited

Early New Englanders’ understanding of arbitrary rule was central to their efforts to maintain self-government in the late 1600’s. In 1664, after King Charles II sent royal commissioners on warships to America, conquering the Dutch and transforming New Netherland into New York, Anglo-American colonists in New England were pressured, bribed or intimidated into accepting more royal control. Rhode Island – with its brand new 1663 royal charter – was in a particularly tough position, and many people were unsure about how to respond. Join Weimer for a robust discussion of what happened next.

Co-sponsored with Bristol Men’s Club as part of the Roswell S. Bosworth Jr. Lecture Series.