Factors That Led To The Revolutionary War

Throughout the course of history, relations between colonial nations and their subjects have always been a point of contention. During the period leading up to the Revolutionary War in 1776, the early colonies of North America and Great Britain were constantly at odds with each other. However, the reasons that led to the Revolutionary War were different depending on which side one supported. Ultimately, it was these differences in point of view that led to a long, hard fought war eventually won by the Americans to finally achieve independence from Great Britain. For many years leading up to the Revolutionary War, colonial states enjoyed much autonomy and limited interaction with the British government. Much of this independence stemmed

For years the colonists had skated by enjoying the benefits of military protection and trade under the British government. Having just fought and won an expensive war over the French, the British saw these new taxes as a “modest imposition” resulting from the cost of war and administering the colonies (Visions p. 100). In fact, the Sugar Act of 1764 was actually a cut in taxes for the colonists. It reduced the duty on molasses, but provided more vigorous methods of enforcement. The colonists viewed these methods of enforcement as punitive and unfair. Violators to the act could be punished in British courts, which operated without jury trials. Colonists fervently believed a trial without a jury of their peers was a violation of their rights. The tightening of tax and revenue regulations were key elements in more aggressive policies the British adopted to maintain control over the colonies and help pay off debts. Another act that greatly damaged British and colonist relations was the Stamp Act of 1765. This Act mandated the use of royally stamped paper for all official papers. This act affected every colonist in America. British Parliament did not view this tax as a big deal as British citizens already paid a similar tax at a higher level. Once again, the political and constitutional ramifications this act carried was difficult for the colonists to deal with and viewed it as a violation of their

These acts were designed to punish and break the spirit of the colonists. Unfortunately, similar to other acts that were passed before, it brought the colonists closer together. As a result, the First Continental Congress was formed by twelve of the thirteen colonies to organize a boycott of British trade and affirm the core natural rights of colonists: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Delegates expressed the desire that the colonies maintained a loyalty to the crown while pursuing autonomy, not independence. However, this meeting was significant because it can be seen as one of the first concerted efforts by the American colonies to unite under a common cause towards secession from the British