Is there an accepted standard name for the top level location of Massachusetts prior to the Declaration of Independence? For example, I have recently noticed some people using a naming convention like the following:
1649 to 1691: Medfield, Suffolk, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British America
1691-1777: Medfield, Suffolk, Massachusetts Bay Province, British America
1777-1793: Medfield, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States
1793-present: Medfield, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States
This convention uses "British America." That might be an acceptable generic name, as might be "Colonial America." However, is the term "British" technically correct before 1707 when England and Scotland united and became "Great Britain?" Prior to that, it seems that "New England" might be the best choice. The 1620 charter mentions the term "New-England in America," and frequently uses the shortened term "New England." These same terms are used pretty consistently in the 1629 charters for New Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay.
Thanks!