The American Revolution was sparked by tensions over taxation and representation between the American colonies and Great Britain.
The clash between British parliamentary sovereignty and the colonists' desire for self-governance fueled the underlying conflict.
Acts of violence, such as the Boston Massacre, and a sense of injustice and persecution contributed to the intensification of resistance among the colonists.
Deep dives
The Causes of Tension
The tension between Britain and the American colonies begins due to a series of acts, such as the Sugar Act of 1764 and the Stamp Act of 1765, that impose taxes and stricter regulations on the colonies. The colonists see these measures as violations of their rights as Englishmen and resist through boycotts and protests.
Parliamentary Sovereignty vs. Colonial Self-Governance
The underlying conflict is the clash between the British principle of parliamentary sovereignty and the colonists' desire for greater self-governance. The colonists argue for their rights as Englishmen, while the British government sees its actions as necessary for the stability and defense of the empire. The Boston Massacre and subsequent trials further fuel tensions.
Continued Resistance and Growing Paranoia
The colonists intensify their resistance through boycotts of British goods and other acts of protest, driven by a sense of injustice, paranoia, and a growing belief that they are being persecuted by the British government. While the protests initially focus mainly on Boston, the resistance movement spreads to other colonies over time.
Violence and Its Consequences
Acts of violence, such as the Boston Massacre in 1770, increase hostilities between the colonists and British troops. The incident leads to a trial where John Adams defends the soldiers, further illustrating the complexity of the situation. The British repeal the Stamp Act in response to widespread resistance, but tensions persist.
The Road to Independence
By 1770, American independence is not inevitable, and many colonists still see themselves as loyal subjects of the British Empire, fighting for their rights within the empire. However, the increasing mistrust and misunderstandings between the colonial resistance and the British government set the stage for further escalation and ultimately the declaration of independence.
“America, late the strength, now the foe to Britain, dismembered, torn, I fear forever lost to England, whence she sprung.”
The American Revolution came about due to growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain, primarily over issues of taxation and representation. It led to the birth of the United States of America, established upon Enlightenment principles of liberal democracy and constitutionalism. In the first episode of our four part series, Tom and Dominic are joined by Professor Adam Smith for a detailed look at the beginnings of the American Revolution, as they examine the background to the war, and how both religious fervour and the implementation of colonial taxes fuelled the conflict.
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