What does the term "Dominion of New England" refer to?

The term "Dominion of New England" refers specifically to a centralized governing body for the New England colonies that was established in 1686. It was created by combining several colonies, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and others into a single administrative unit under the authority of a royal governor, Sir Edmund Andros. This consolidation aimed to streamline governance and assert greater control over the colonies, especially in response to various colonial rebellions and conflicts with Native Americans.

The creation of the Dominion was a significant shift from the relatively autonomous governance that each colony had previously enjoyed. It was meant to enforce the Navigation Acts more effectively and reduce the influence of local colonial assemblies, which the crown considered problematic. This effort to centralize authority ultimately faced resistance and was short-lived, as it was dissolved following the Glorious Revolution in England and the subsequent rise of William and Mary to the throne.

Thus, the correct understanding of the "Dominion of New England" highlights its role as a centralized governing body aimed at enforcing royal control over the New England colonies.