The administration of Lord North (1770–1782) tried to defeat the colonist rebellion by military force. British and American forces clashed in 1775 and, in 1776, came the American Declaration of Independence. Burke was appalled by celebrations in Britain of the defeat of the Americans at New York and Pennsylvania. He claimed the English national character was being changed by this authoritarianism. Burke wrote: "As to the good people of England, they seem to partake every day more and more of the Character of that administration which they have been induced to tolerate. I am satisfied, that within a few years there has been a great Change in the National Character. We seem no longer that eager, inquisitive, jealous, fiery people, which we have been formerly". COUNT 5
QSN1 When did Lord North take office? ANS1 1770 QSN2 When did Lord North leave office? ANS2 1782 QSN3 Which victories against the Americans did the British celebrate? ANS3 New York and Pennsylvania QSN4 How did Burke feel about the British celebrating victories against the Americans? ANS4 appalled QSN5 When was the American Declaration of Independence issued? ANS5 1776