England and France were rivals, not only on the continent, but in the West Indies, in India, and in Europe.

The participation of the people in their own government was the more significant, because the colonies actually had what England only seemed to have, - three departments of government.

More emphasis was thus thrown upon the local governments than in England.

The Stuart sovereigns of England steadily attempted to strengthen their power, and the resistance to that effort caused an immense growth of Parliamentary influence.

In any event, colonization and the grant of lands were provincial matters.

In 1763 the English were the most powerful nation in the world.