Page:General History of Europe 1921.djvu/535

 How England became Queen of the Ocean 401 great empire. This led to the creation of a sister state speaking her own language and destined to occupy the central part of the North American continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific. She still retained Canada, however, and in the nineteenth century added a new continent in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia, to her vast colonial empire. In India she had no further rivals among European nations and gradually extended her influence over the whole region south of the Himalayas. QUESTIONS I. Why is the study of colonial possessions important in understand- ing the history of Europe? Compare the extent of Europe with the colonial possessions of the European powers before the World War. What were the possessions of Spain, England, and France in North America before the Seven Years' War? What were the English pos- sessions at the close of the war ? - II. Tell something of the extent and population of India. Describe the government in India at the opening of the eighteenth century. What settlements did the English and French have at this time? How did England make her influence supreme in India? III. Review the struggle of the English and French for possessions in America. What was the condition of the English settlers in America at the close of the Seven Years' War? Describe England's navigation and trade laws. How did the colonists evade these restrictions ? Why did England introduce a stricter policy after 1763 ? Why were the taxes so unpopular in the colonies? What was the attitude of Parliament toward the colonies? Review the events which led to the separation of the colonies from England. What was the importance of the aid given by France?