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Why did many British colonists oppose the Proclamation of 1763?

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Painting of Edward Braddock and British troops in uniform advancing through dense forest, facing Native American and French fighters during the French and Indian War near Fort Duquesne. — French and Indian War British commander Edward Braddock and his troops preparing to march on the French-held Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) during the French and Indian War.

Many British colonists opposed the Proclamation of 1763 because it represented an unwelcome exercise of royal power that restricted colonial expansion and limited the authority of local governors and assemblies.1

By forbidding settlement in the vast region between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River, the British government directly conflicted with the interests of two major groups:1

Farmers: Those who wished to till the soil were blocked from accessing new land.1
Speculators: Men of influence who sought to buy land cheaply were prevented from pursuing their dreams of wealth.1

Furthermore, the proclamation was viewed as an undue interference in colonial affairs. Because the measure formalized Native American land titles and required that any land purchases be conducted through official public meetings, it curtailed the ability of colonists to acquire territory independently. Consequently, many pioneers simply ignored the restrictions, and the measure became a significant factor in turning colonists against the British government.21