DBQ American Revolution

By the mid-1700 the British Colonies is North America began to develop a greater sense of identity, unity and independence, due to the newly imposed duties they critically oppose, but were enforced by the British Parliament. Most of the first settlers in America came from England and considered themselves to be Englishmen. At first they relied on their mother country for money, supplies and protection. As the colony became larger and more populous, people gradually started feeling as if they were a separate nation. By the eve of the Revolution the patriotism had built up to such an extent, that the colonists believed America was self-sufficient enough to exist as independent unit from England.

At first, America existed just as any of the other English colonies. England provided financial and military assistance, and in turn America shipped goods that were to be sold in England. This mercantilist system worked out at first, but soon, as the population increased people began to feel that many of England's trade policies and laws were unfair. They also expected to be represented in the English Parliament. Edmund Burke said, "Govern America? As you govern an English

Even though America was now completely self-sufficient, there were still people loyal to England. Often referred to as the "Tories", they did not want to abandon their parent country. The loyalists believed that America would never survive without England's protection and guidance. Mather Byles said, "...which is better, to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away, or by three thousand tyrants not a mile away." (DOC D). People like him believed that creating a separate government in America would not solve any problems, but only create more new ones. Others preached that it is a shame to leave their parent country. However, since the loyalists made up a small percentage of the population and were generally rich, the majority of people rarely favored their ideas. Prior to the breakout of the Revolution, many Tories had been tarred and feathered, beaten, or were subjected to other forms of punishment.

After the French and Indian war the colonists seemed to become further dependent on British Army for defense against attacks from rivals, such as the Indians and their allies, the French, therefore the British Parliament decided to leave and army in North America and demanded the colonies to pay part of its cost, and contribute to their own defense. Yet, during the next twelve years, the British Parliament didn’t just tax for the British army in America, they decided they would also enforce duties on items such as Madeira wine, coffee, molasses, and other products, which came to be known as the Sugar Act. After passing the Sugar Act, Parliament announced it would also be necessary to impose a stamp tax on legal documents

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