The American Revolution

Essay by nickie548High School, 10th grade August 2008

download word file, 6 pages 5.0

The end of the French and Indian war sparked a celebration for the colonists. The emphasis on English patriotism, pride, and nationalism was prevailing. But as time went on, the colonists found themselves in a distressing predicament with the mother country, who previously held their respect. The misuse and abuse of power by Britain fueled the Americans, who were sucked of their independence. Most of the colonists were influenced by a small percentage of people who riled up the rest. The transition between England and America from allies to enemies as a result of the American revolution is to this day debated. By examining the economic, political, ethical, and religious situations in America during the last half of the 18th century, one can see the growing deterioration of freedom in America. The American revolution was justified.

The encouraging words of one man, John Locke, lead the people to believe that they justified rebellion.

Accordingly, revolution was only justified when the government violated the rights it was designed to protect (i.e. took property without consent, which wasn't allowed) or if it made war on it's own people. Benjamin Franklin spoke out before the House of Commons when they asked what the difference is between internal and external taxes. He couldn't help but make a point. "...an internal tax is forced from the people without their consent, if not laid by their own representatives" (Document C). Document D shows a picture of the Boston Massacre, which is a direct example of government making war on it's own people. Some Boston boys were just jokingly taunting a group of British soldiers when shots broke out and several people lay dead. John Dickinson, who was a member of the Stamp Act Congress, then Continental Congress, and then the Constitutional Convention, condemned some of the...