The proclamation was issued by King George III forbidding the colonialists from settling west of the Appalachian mountain. Through the proclamation, the king hoped to punish the natives who did not side with him during the Seven Years' War. The proclamation rendered all land concessions given to the Americans by the British government that fought for the crown against the French useless. Although the proclamation remained in force and was still of legal importance in some parts of Canada, it was enforced, as it was expected to do little to discourage the settlement to the west. Several prominent people, including George Washington, did not consider this serious, but as a temporary sentiment paving the way for the American Revolution.
