Revolutionary Causes - USA

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A number of issues raised tensions between the colonies and Great Britain. The already tense atmosphere was pushed even further with a number of taxes, acts and proclamations passed by Britain. These numerous acts usually dealt with taxes and other issues that came into conflict with the independent nature of the American colonists. No one issue was solely responsible for the eventual American Revolution. Though all of these added together raised the resentment to a boiling point and all contributed to the revolution. The harsh frontier life led to the independent and often stubborn nature of the American Colonists. This development of this unique colonial personality conflicted drastically with the norms of the British Empire. This cultural personality also led to the passionately independent and democratic political leanings of the young colonies.
The end of the French Indian War left bitter tensions amongst the Native American tribes, Britain and the colonists. The Native tribes were understandably upset with the outcome of the French Indian War. The French had treated the natives fairly and in general, honestly as well. Furthermore they accepted and often adopted the dress or culture of the Natives. This was in contrast to the crooked dealings, corruption and arrogance the Native Americans encountered with the British. The British even denied the very humanity of the American Indian and were contemptuous of the Native culture. After the French were defeated the British continued to treat the Natives unfairly. The Natives were further angered when they were informed that there were now expected to be loyal subjects of a foreign king. With the French gone, even more colonist trickled into Indian lands. The colonists saw the land as a war prize and were eager to expand their settlements. More forts were consequently built to protect and regulate the frontier. The Native tribes were alarmed with the British domination and saw their land and culture slipping away. This tension amongst the tribes led to a resurgence of Native culture. A movement embracing the fundamentals of Native traditions that rejected the western culture gained ground. Pontiac, a chief and great orator used his influence to build alliance and untied fellow tribes against the British. The Native Americans launched a bloody war, conquering at least eight British forts. This conflict was ca...

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...sidences. These acts were seen as a great intrusion to the colonists. They resented the invasiveness of the acts as well as the financial burdens. This issue was even mentioned in the Declaration of Independence as a point of contention and oppression. New York led the resistance to the Quartering acts. As the British commander?s headquarters, the New York colony argued it carried an unfair portion of the financial burden. The colony initially protested and limited the services and goods it was willing to provide. The defiance increased until December of 1766 when New York refused to honor any of the Quartering Acts. Predictably Britain retaliated. The issue was eventually settled though not to any side?s full satisfaction.
British and colonial relations were never perfect and they seriously and quickly deteriorated in the years after 1763. In the Declaration of Independence the colonists pointed to issues such as the quartering of troops and unrepresented taxation among the key issues leading to the declaration. All of these issues as well as the very nature and personality of the American colonists resulted in the eventual war with Great Britain.

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