Table of Contents
Introduction
When people discuss the American Revolution, they typically concentrate on a number of issues that seem to be the most controversial. Considerable emphasis is placed on the justification of British taxes and American resistance. Furthermore, historians argue whether the revolution could have been prevented. In this essay, all issues will be considered in detail in order to provide another perspective on the relationship between England and the colonies.
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Was the American Revolution Justified
When the French and Indian War broke out, England was protecting itself and its colonies. In this context, English taxes seemed quite comprehensible. The country was defending the population and had the right to expect anything in return. There were many losses and the country had to have enough finances. People who suffered from the war asked for clothes, food and water, but these resources could not be provided out of thin air. Besides, the British population was already taxed at that time. Therefore, it was unjust to grant privileges to colonists who were British citizens and had to abide by its rules and laws. Additionally, based on the Royal Proclamation of 1763, it was expected that Britain would be able to control the colonists in the west (OpenStax College, 2014). Lastly, it was determined to achieve peaceful relations and end the war, unlike its colonies.
Even if British taxes were justifiable, they seemed to be applied to too many various goods. Frequent and high taxation frustrated the colonists, resulting in their resentment. The representatives of the colonies gathered to vote for a parliament that would govern their actions. The question of violated privacy also arose at that time, and it was provoked by Writs of Assistance. Assuming that individuals possessed contraband goods, officers could inspect their homes and destroy their property. In this context, one can understand the resistance of the colonists to pay taxes.
It can be reasoned that the American Revolution was caused by British taxation because the colonists did not want to pay more for the substantial number of goods needed for routine life. However, it is equally necessary to consider that this was only one of the drivers of discontent. Although taxation was the most key reason for the revolution, it is also relevant to note the unwillingness of the colonists to accept King George as their leader and to follow British rules. The desire for freedom and independence from British influence is evident. Therefore, it can be assumed that the disconnection would have taken place later, even if the taxation issue had been peacefully cleared up.
In my opinion, I would have supported the colonists in the course of this revolution. I suppose all these events were decisive for today’s America and Britain. Without the revolution, the population of the United States would not have become so convinced of their rights, and the country would not have turned a leader in many areas if it was still under British supervision.
Conclusion
Thus, it can be summarized that the tax-related challenges experienced by Great Britain and its colonies were triggered by the impossibility to reach a compromise. The British needed to pay debts after the war with France and India, so they implemented taxes. However, the colonists were encouraged to be independent and were reluctant to submit to British authority. It would have been possible to apply taxation in such a way that it did not produce such crucial resistance that caused the revolution. Nevertheless, ultimately, secession could not be prevented.
- Locks, C., Mergel, S., Roseman, P., & Spike, T. (2013). History in the making: A history of the people of the United States of America to 1877. Web.
- OpenStax College. (2014). U.S. history. Web.