A royal governor appointed by the English crown, this individual played a significant role in the administration of the Dominion of New England. He enforced unpopular laws, curtailed colonial autonomy, and challenged existing land titles, actions that generated considerable resentment among the colonists. For example, his suppression of town meetings and imposition of taxes without the consent of elected representatives directly challenged the established norms of self-governance.
Understanding this figure is crucial for grasping the tensions that contributed to the growing discontent in the colonies leading up to the Glorious Revolution and, eventually, the American Revolution. His actions illustrate the Crown’s attempts to exert greater control over the colonies and the colonists’ resistance to perceived tyranny, highlighting the differing perspectives on governance and rights.
