This refers to the consolidation of several New England colonies, along with New York and New Jersey, into a single administrative unit from 1686 to 1689. King James II established it, aiming to increase royal control over the region and enforce the Navigation Acts more effectively. A royal governor, Sir Edmund Andros, was appointed to oversee the entire territory, replacing the existing colonial governments.
This action represented a significant shift in English colonial policy, moving away from the earlier practice of relative colonial autonomy. It was intended to streamline governance, improve defense, and generate more revenue for the crown. However, it was met with considerable resistance from colonists who valued their self-governance and resented the imposition of English laws and taxes without their consent. The centralized authority directly challenged existing charters and local power structures.