Revolutionary Americans

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To understand the American War for Independence, we have to look at the time period of 1763, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, to 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We also have to realize that the Seven Years’ War had a profound effect upon the American Colonies and their political standings. It is because of this war that Britain was forced to change its colonial policies, which in turn led the Americans to become revolutionaries. The Seven Years’ War itself showed the American Colonialists that they could unite together against a common foe, it just so happened that Britain did not expect to be one of them. I hope to show how the Seven Years’ War was the triggering effect that started both Britain and America on the path to war.

The first question we must ask ourselves is: Why did Britain change its policy? The answers are quite simple and mostly about money. The Seven Years War was costly and greatly enlarged Britain’s debt. Also there were resentments towards the colonists and English leaders were not satisfied with the financial and military backing that they received from them. These factors combined, convinced the English that the colonies needed a major reorganization and that the central authority should be in London. Also these reorganizations were a move to give Britain more control over the colonial governments and were a big part in the colonial resentment towards British imperial policies, (Mooy).

Britain’s tight purse strings led to the Proclamation of 1763, which had a profound effect on the American colonies and their attitudes towards the British Empire. “This proclamation simply stated that no further settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains was allowed…The colon...

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Works Cited

1. Franklin, Benjamin. Benjamin Franklin, Writings. Ed. J. A. Leo Lemay. New York: The Library of America, 1987.

2. Henry, William. “We, the Inhabitants of Lancaster…” The Pennsylvania Gazette 19, June 1770

http://80-www.accessible.com.ezproxy.libraries.psu.edu

3. The History Place “American Revolution” 1998

http://www.historyplace.com/United States/revolution/rev-prel.htm

4. Kravetz, Adam. “The French and Indian War’s Impact on America” From Revolution to Reconstruction 2001

http://odur.let.rug.nl/usanew/E/fiwar/french04.htm

5. Mooy, Age. “French and Indian Wars” From Revolution to Reconstruction 2001

http://odur.let.rug.nl/usanew/E/fiwar/french04.htm

6. Zaagsma, Gerben. “The Stamp Act and the Sugar Act” From Revolution to Reconstruction 2001

http://odur.let.rug.nl/usanew/E/fiwar/french04.htm

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