Question: What is the best interpretation of Britannia's expression of shame? The pain caused by the failure of coercion is too much for Britannia to bear-it would be better to no longer have an empire. The policies created by Parliament, upheld by the courts and enforced by the military, run entirely counter to the principles Britons cherish. The level of disobedience exhibited by the colonies has embarrassed Britannia, which has had no choice but to resort to such tough measures.