Revolution Synthesis

The Declaration of Independence states that, “Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government.” It is well known that the revolution was a result of Brittan becoming “destructive of these ends,” but did the colonies withdraw from England for this reason alone? The revolution was not entirely a result of the British Government failing to serve to people of the colonies, but more that they did not need the British. The American colonies were better off without being under the ruling of England. Brittan was holding back their potential of becoming more profitable and independent.

The biggest known reason for the revolution was the many taxes enforced in the colonies. Brittan, having already over taxed the people of England, looked to the colonies of North America for more financial support. The American colonies were living in the best conditions of any other society, according to historian Oliver Dickerson. Because of this, England took full advantage of their wealth. Starting in 1764 and continued well into the 1770’s, Great Brittan placed many taxes to bring themselves out of a debt caused by the French and Indian War. Taxes began with goods such as sugar and molasses (The Sugar Act. 1764), but expanded to more costly laws such as the Quartering Act in 1765, which required the colonies to house and supply British soldiers, or the Stamp Act, that required many paper documents to bear revenue stamps. Brittan was relying heavily on theses taxes to bring them out of debt. The rich men of the colonies were slowly paying off Brittan’s Debt. At this point the Government was no longer serving the governed, but rather the colonies were supporting the British Government.

Soon it became apparent to the wealthier population of America that the colonies did not need Brittan for support, so rather than having to withstand the taxes forced on them many of the colonists began to rebel. They believed that they could govern themselves and be better off than under the ruling of the crown of England. In his famous book, Common Sense, Thomas Paine wrote, “I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation of to show a single advantage that this continent can reap by being connected with Great Brittan. I repeat the challenge, not a single advantage is derived.” The colonies produced a great amount of tobacco, corn, and other goods that they could trade with any nation in Europe. They could break completely free from Brittan and still be self-sustaining.

Besides breaking free from taxes and becoming independent, the colonies saw potential fortune to the west of the continent. The only thing in their way was the boundaries set by England. “A peace was made, with the British agreeing to establish a line at the Appalachians, beyond which settlements would not encroach on Indian Territory.” (Zinn) This was an attempt to keep peace with the Native Americans. This boundary was known as the Treaty of Easton. If they could break free and become an independent nation, they could remove this boundary, opening their nation to a world of unknown profits. Many people without property were eager to claim their own land beyond the Appalachians.

The American Colonies saw a great amount of potential. They knew they had the makings of a prosperous nation. However, under the ruling of Brittan, taxes and restrictions confined them. The next logical step was to remove themselves from the British Government, and America could only grow from there.