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AP US History

September 15, 2013

An essentially independent nation

As the development of the colonies grew in the 18th century, colonists sought to establish their independence and separate from England. This desire for freedom led to the American Revolution. By instituting unwanted taxes, forcing oppressive government policies, and neglecting their daughter country for an extensive period of time, Britain forced the colonists to become, essentially, a self-governing country in its own. Although the economic effects of Britain’s treatment of the colonies incited a discontent toward the crown, the political issues were the final strike that led the colonist to rebel against England.

The acts and laws instigated by the British crown threatened the colonist’s rights as Englishmen. Even though the Stamp Act was imposed on the colonies to help with revenue from the war, the people saw this as an attack on their rights. Arguably, the colonists were under taxed, and the act’s effects were a small fraction compared to what the British people were paying. But to the colonists, more taxes meant less money and profit for themselves. This was one of the first allusions to the future of the colonies. As more laws and acts were passed, the greater the struggle became for the colonists. Each act was an attempt to take away their liberty and freedom. Despite these jabs at the settlers, the people remained loyal to the crown. They developed the Olive Branch petition and sought to reconcile with King George although they were unhappy with his policies. He rejected their request and the rebellion continued. Even though all of the acts and taxed had an economic effects, political “persecution” was the underlying bullet that aggravated the colonists.

Even before the taxes were enforced on the colonies, they were already developing new ideals about the ways of ruling. New principles were descending from the British-based mindset. The thought of a monarchy began to...