By the eve of the American Revolution, the American colonists had developed a substantial amount of personal identity and unity that separated them from Great Britain. Their individuality was shown through their resentment to the various acts that were passed, such as the Quartering, Stamp, and Declaratory Acts. The colonists wanted nothing more to do with the British and had the desire to govern themselves, which was a political factor that distinctly separated the colonists from Parliament. "A very small corrupted Junto in New York excepted, all N. America is now most firmly united and as firmly resolved to defend their liberties ad infinitum against every power on Earth that may attempt to take them away." (Document C).
After the French and Indian War, Great Britain elaborated a series of acts that were not fully accepted by the American colonists, such as the Quartering, Sugar, and Currency Act of 1763 and the strictly enforced Navigation Acts. The British attempted to preserve control over the colonists after the war with these acts but were most unsuccessful because they continued to smuggle goods and before long also managed to nullify the Stamp Act of 1765 (Sons and Daughters of Liberty), causing Great Britain to suffer an economic adversity. However, in 1766 the British Parliament established the Declaratory Act, which stated that they could pass laws no matter what. The colonists were evidently infuriated at this, therefore desiring sovereignty more than ever. .
During this time period, the Whig party was born. Also known as the "Patriots," the majority of them were for independence. They informed the colonists that they should be on guard against "corruption" and to be perpetually aware of plots against their hard-earned independence. The idea of republicanism (subordinate private interests for public-common good) also played a role in making the American colonists particularly alert to any threats that were made to their rights.
