The Seven Years’ War eroded the relations between the colonists and British authorities to a great extent. First of all the British authorities criticized the colonists for supporting them inadequately. In fact, William Pitt was convinced that France was able to continue in this expensive war for so long because of the colonial smuggling. On the other hand, colonists criticized British commanders for being harsh on them. The colonists were subjected to harsh military discipline that included floggings and executions.