George III's Reign

1233 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The significance of the Declaration of Independence

THESIS STATEMENT

George III was constitutionally accurate in his actions concerning his American colonies.

INTRODUCTION

George III was constitutionally accurate in his actions concerning his American colonies. He was justified in his decision to tax the American colonies and continue the war campaign against America.

George III succeeded the throne from his grandfather, George II, in 1760 at the age of twenty-two. He is the third king of England of the Hanoverian line of kings. He is mainly remembered, by both Americans and British alike, for losing the American colonies. George III is also recognized as the most cultured King Great Britain ever had. He built and studied from his own library which included his collection of 65,000 books, the Royal Academy which is still open today, and his own astronomic observatory. He was also the first King of England to include science as part of his education.

On July 4, 1776 fifty-six the American colonies’ leaders signed their names on to the Declaration of Independence “…declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown…” (US Declaration Ind.). The Declaration of Independence states that King George III is a tyrant and lists eighteen offences against him justifying that he “is unfit to rule a free people.” (US Declaration Ind.). On the other hand, the people of Great Britain backed up their King because he tended to the national interest of his people.

TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESNTATION?

The American Revolution was sparked by Parliament’s passing of the Stamp Act in 1764. This law laid a tax, of varying amounts, on every piece of parchment with writing on it. The col...

... middle of paper ...

...recently ended Seven Years war with France put Great Britain in a huge national debt. The tax put on the colonies would help settle this problem. They would also soon be able to pay for their own full time military provided to them by George.

George III was undoubtedly the most cultured king England ever had. He studied multiple subjects and built several educational centers in London with his own purse. With his great knowledge on foreign affairs, George knew what he was doing in his decisive action to invade the American colonies. During his reign, England became the richest nation in on Earth. Trading with America increased after the war and the two nations developed good relations. The Industrial Revolution helped further Great Britain’s trade with numerous nations around the globe. He had every right to tax and fight against his American colonies.

Show More
Related

  • Evaluate The Relative Importance Of The Following As Factors Prompting Americans To Rebel In 1776

    1747 Words  | 4 Pages

    The British colonies in America from the time they were established up until around 1763 had a policy of Salutary Neglect. Salutary Neglect meant that the British would not interfere with the colonies national or even international affairs. This benefitted the colonies, they got to experience some forms of democracy, and they also were able to experience independence in a way though they took it for granted. The British after the Seven Years War, which was fought on American soil, for the Americans protection, decided that the colonies should be required to pay for it in taxes. Britain was in debt, and their economy was in a recession, so the well off colonies tax money would have helped them considerably. The tax would only be the beginning to a long line of British policies further upsetting the colonial people.

    Read More

  • George Washington Classical Sun Tzu Strategist and Master in the Art of War

    1772 Words  | 4 Pages

    George Washington Classical Sun Tzu Strategist and Master in the Art of War. The American defeat of the British during the Revolutionary War was a direct result of George Washington's incredible leadership and generalship, which epitomized the greatness of Sun Tzu's "Art of War." Introduction The key to the success of the American Revolution was the George Washington himself. Faced with a near impossible task of defeating a tremendously powerful enemy, Washington was required to defy the odds.

    Read More

  • Boston Tea Party Analysis

    826 Words  | 2 Pages

    (140) It was during this time period that “the government in London concerned itself with the colonies in unprecedented ways…to help raise funds to pay for the war and finance the empire.” (Forner 141) The British government was heavily in debt after fighting the Seven Years War on several fronts. The need to raise funds was paramount and the colonies were a ready source. The British government started imposing taxes on the colonies as a means of income. This was a change in the relationship between America and the mother country. Many Americans opposed these taxes. (Forner 142- 143) According to Forner, “Opposition to the Stamp Act was the first great Drama of the revolutionary era and the first major split between the colonist and Great Britain over the meaning of freedom.” (142) This act was eventually repealed by Parliament in 1766 after great opposition by Americans. (Forner 144) The Stamp Act was just the beginning of several events and taxes on the colonist leading up the Boston Tea

    Read More

  • The Colonial Incentives for Independence

    818 Words  | 2 Pages

    July 4th of 1776 is arguably the most significant day in American history. On this day, the thirteen British colonies won their independence from Great Britain, their mother country at the time. The war that allowed the colonies to gain their independence was, of course, the American Revolution. One reason the colonists’ declaration of independence was understandable was because after an extended period of salutary neglect, the British started imposing laws on the colonies. Another reason was that the British violated colonists’ rights by implementing the Proclamation of 1763. A third and final reason the colonies were correct in breaking away from Great Britain was that although the colonists were not represented in British Parliament, Great Britain still taxed them. The thirteen British colonies were absolutely justified in seceding from Great Britain because the British started to enforce laws after a long period of salutary neglect, they violated the colonists’ rights by passing the Proclamation of 1763, and the colonies were required to pay taxes even though they were not represented in Parliament.

    Read More

  • The Hudson Valley During the American Revolution

    1661 Words  | 4 Pages

    In the pre-revolutionary period the Hudson Valley was of great importance. In 1765 the Stamp act Congress met to shake the existing government established by the English. American opposition to the Stamp Act began shortly after its passage in March 1765. The colonists were fed up with “taxation without representation”, and desired change. The Stamp Act Congress met in New York City in October 1765. Delegates from nine colonies attended, and petitioned the king for repeal of the act, denouncing it as taxation without representation. Many British merchants joined in this appeal. Their exports of manufactures to the colonies had increased markedly since 1750 and they feared the effects of American refusal to pay commercial debts amounting to millions of pounds. On October 31, the day before the Stamp Act was to go into effect, 200 merchants in New York City vowed to stop importing British goods, beginning the First No importation Movement. Then they joined storekeepers, artisans, sailors, and laborers in a mass protest meeting. On the next night, 2000 residents surrounded the fort where the stamps were being guarded and then plundered the house of a British officer (French, pg 56). These mob actions prompted the lieutenant governor to ask General Thomas Gage, the British military commander...

    Read More

  • How Do Americans View George Washington and Christopher Columbus Today?

    766 Words  | 2 Pages

    George Washington set a legacy that we are still following and are inspired by today. His legacy that has been handed down for generations and for many generations to come, is one that provides our country with leadership and is the foundation of our country’s strength. George Washington is also known as the father of our country. After the American Revolution George Washington actually wanted to retire to his home in Mount Vernon. He refused to accept payment for his service in the Army. However, his country needed a good humble man like himself, and he could not say no to helping the country get started. Washington helped with the making of the Constitution, and he was elected president of the Second Continental Congress. The Constitution is still the law of the land 226 years later. He was elected as our first president in 1789. George Washington had to face some major problems as the first president of the United States. One was he had to build the foundation of our government. Right now our current presidents have to deal with world issues and debt. George Washington had to build the government from the ground up. Also, you have to realize that this is a baby country. This country that he is leading just got its independence from Great Britain, where they had a monarchy g...

    Read More

  • Difference Between Common Sense And The Declaration Of Independence

    979 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson appeals to patriotism. Jefferson ensures this by persuading the colonists to become self-governing. He tries to let all of the people of the New World understand that they have protested and defended themselves against the British for all of the corrupt acts the British have committed upon the colonists. Jefferson’s tone in the Declaration of Independence portrays how tiresome he has grown of the British rule after all of the deception towards Americans. Included within the idea of patriotism, is the idea of loyalty to the fundamental values and principles underlying American democracy. Thomas Paine also provides patriotism to get advocates for the movement to separate from the British forces. Correspondingly, Paine persuades Americans that they will prosper in numerous areas without the control of the British saying, “Is the power who is jealous of our prosperity, a proper power to govern us? Whoever says No to this question is an independent, for independency means no more, than, whether we shall make our own laws…” (Paine). Paine uses a demanding tone to convince Americans that if they should accept the ties with Britain, it will bring ruin and distress to the

    Read More

  • Founding Fathers of the United States: George Washington

    605 Words  | 2 Pages

    George Washington was the father of the United States of America. He created our country from the beginning. Not only was he a great leader, but he was also a great commander. He helped us win the Revolutionary War, which gave our country independence. We finally became free, and that’s the greatest thing in America. The fact that he motivated regular people to fight a huge army is amazing.

    Read More

  • america

    560 Words  | 2 Pages

    It was during the years of 1775 and 1783 when Washington guided America to a victorious triumph over a defeated Britain within the American Revolutionary war. It was under Washingtons strong leadership that American's aquired independence. Through Geory Washingtons status as General he steered the Continental Army to their intended goal; victory. His exptional accopmlishments and military performance exceed that of any one else. General Washington's military profession constructed an excellent example of leadership skills, and stategic approach. In regards to his position of commander and chief over the continental army, Washington along with his achievements pushed America to grow into its own thriving nation. George Washington's great contribution to the movement of the American Revolution, military leadership, and victory, explifly his outstanding qualities as a political leader and military leader.

    Read More

  • The Declaration of Independence

    702 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Declaration of Independence is focused for the most part toward King George III and the British Parliament. Jefferson wanted them to understand the reasoning behind the American's decision of independence. From paragraphs 6-32 he lists all the acts of tyranny that King George III forced upon the Americans. The list is longer than all the other parts of the document put together. It demonstrates how much emphasis Jefferson placed on providing reasons. But, this list is not only directed at Jefferson, it is a reminder to all Americans and the whole world of what disturbing times have been overcome in the past.

    Read More

  • The Declaration of Independence

    315 Words  | 1 Pages

    In the third section of the Declaration Of Independence states all the wrongs the people thought the king of England did to them. The colonists thought the king was treating them unfairly. For example he refused to approve laws that would help the colonists. He also made them pay taxes without their consent along with forbidding trade with other countries. They tried to talk to the king about their complaints but he ignored them. All of this made the colonists very angry. In this section the colonists write that they have had it with Britain’s Tyranny Rule.

    Read More

  • The Common Man’s Role in the American Revolution

    906 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...ned Stamp Act he stated that he, “never saw one of those Stamps” and that he was “certain I never paid a penny for one of them”. So with so much attention being paid to Thomas Paine and his “Common sense” and John Hancock’s larger than life signature, what was the reason for our revolution? While that question may never be answered, there are always the eternal words of Levi Preston, “what we meant in going in for those redcoats was this: we always had governed ourselves and we always mean to. That didn’t mean we should”

    Read More

  • Birth of A Nation

    905 Words  | 2 Pages

    When declaring independence, the bulk of the people thought that would be “…to burn the last bridge, to become traders in the eyes of the mother country.” (Garraty 110). John Dickinson had stated, “ ‘Torn from the body to which we are united by religion, liberty, laws, affections, relation, language and commerce, we must bleed at every vein.’ “ (Garraty 110). The people were afraid to break away, they pondered “ ‘Where shall we find another Britain.’ “ (Garraty 110). Eventually independence was inevitable. There was a great mistrust towards both Parliament and George III when the colonists heard that the British were sending hired Hessian soldiers to fight against them in the revolution. The pamphlet written by Thomas Paine entitled Common Sense called boldly for complete independence. This reflected his opinions on George III, calling him a brute, and also attacking the idea of monarchy itself. “Virtually everyone in the colonies must have read Common Sense or heard it explained and discussed.” (Garraty 110). John Adams dismissed it as something he had said time and time again. “The tone of the debate changed sharply as Paine’s slashing attack took effect.” (Garraty 110). A committee was appointed by Congress, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and many more. “The committee had asked Jefferson to prepare a draft” that would soon become known as the Declaration of Independence. (Garraty 112). It consisted of two parts: an introduction which justified the abstract right of any people to revolt and described the theory on which the Americans based their creation of a new, republican government, and a second part that made George III, rather than Parliament, look like the ‘bad guy’. “…The king was the personification of the nation against which the nation was rebelling.” (Garraty 112). “The Declaration was intended to influence foreign opinion, but it had little immediate effect outside Great Britain, and there it only made people angry and determined to subdue the rebels.

    Read More

  • Response To Jefferson's Declaration Of Independence

    1755 Words  | 4 Pages

    This document defines independence because it states the terms on why the colonies need to be free from the control of the king. The co...

    Read More

  • George Washington Dbq

    212 Words  | 1 Pages

    Washington began many of the traditions and ways of working that we still continue today. He was also commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and led the US to victory in the war. George Washington set extremely high standards for himself, his people, and for the leaders that came after him.

    Read More

More about George III's Reign

Open Document