The Revolutionary War and Its Causes
Changes in British Colonial Policy Leading to Tensions with American Colonists. Colonists React with potential Colonial Unity. (Timeline before Revolution)
End of Salutary Neglect: Post-French and Indian War, Britain tightened control over its colonies to recover war debts, leading to increased enforcement of the Navigation Acts, new taxes, and other policies which mandated that all trade be conducted on English ships. This resulted in resentment as colonists felt their economic independence and trade flexibility were undermined, while they were taxed without representation.
Numbers- Acts passed by Britain After Salutary Neglect and The French and Indian War
Proclamation of 1763- ensured that colonists would not move west and fight the natives, because the British were in debt and did not want to fight more (with natives) (they don’t want to spend more money). (and to keep colonists in one area)
Sugar Act (1764) - Indirect tax aimed at taxing imported goods (syn: tariff, duty,customs). Aimed at ending smuggling trade in sugar/molasses from France.
Currency Act (1764) - Prohibited colonies from issuing their own paper money, forcing them to use British currency.
Stamp Act (1765) - Tax on printed goods. Papers were stamped to prove tax was paid.
Led to colonial resistance Stamp Act Congress, boycott (not importation of british tea agreement (has to buy from east india co)) (not importing British goods anymore) (unity?) (colonists eventually boycott to all british acts)
Quartering Act (1765) - Required colonists to provide housing and supplies to British soldiers stationed in America.
Declaratory Act (1766) - Passed after the repeal of the Stamp Act in response to the Stamp Act Congress, it asserted Parliament's right to make laws binding the colonies "in all cases whatsoever."
Townshend Act (1767) - Imposed duties on imports like glass, paper, paint, lead, and tea. It also strengthened customs enforcement.
Colonies are beginning to unify- Committees of Correspondence:
Although these became more formalized later, early forms of communication and coordination between colonies began during this period, helping to spread information about resistance efforts.
Colonists respond with boycotts (sons of liberty)
John Hancock (american gangster) on ship the liberty- enters US through plymouth (stirs riot leading to revolution)- he rebels because he is a smuggler and will get in trouble from writs of assistance/admiralty courts
Britain sends many more troops and enforcement
1770- Boston Massacre-
Started when colonists were throwing snowballs/rocks/feathers and british soldiers (need jobs bc aren't making a lot of money so taking colonists jobs and colonists have to house them- colonists don’t like them)
only five deaths- propaganda stirs this up (paul revere, john adams, etc stir up to be big riot)
Tea Act (1773) - British gov teamed with British East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonies, with a cheap price and a tiny tax (costs less) (colonists complain/exaggerate how dare you make me buy tea at cheaper price!)- they want to buy tea from john hancock not britain. (only tax not eventually repealed)
Boston Tea Party- happens in ports in north and england colonies (focus on Boston bc they dressed like indians)
Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) (1774) - A series of punitive laws in response to the Boston Tea Party, including the Boston Port Act (closing Boston Harbor), the Massachusetts Government Act (restricting town meetings), Administrative Justice Act (British official cannot go to court in colonies), and the Quartering Act expansion. Takes away Massachusetts self gov’t and imposes British martial law.
Connecticut rallied colonies to help MA after the tea party (unity?)
10. Quebec Act (1774) - Extended Quebec's (British currently own) boundaries to the Ohio river valley (American land), and granted religious freedom to Catholics, alarming Protestant colonists (scared they would enforce Catholicism on their colony too).
Colonial Responses to the End of Salutary Neglect
Emergence of Resistance: Organized protests against British policies emerged, including calls for "No taxation without representation," and formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty.
Boycotts and Unity: Boycotting British goods, especially post-Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, became a widespread form of resistance. The Boston Massacre and events like the Boston Tea Party highlighted a growing desire for independence rather than reconciliation.
Mercantilism: Benefit or Burden?
Economic Restrictions: Mercantilism imposed strict controls on trade, hampering the colonies’ economic development. Critics like Adam Smith and Berkeley argued it stifled diversity and growth.
Colonial Perspective: Colonists increasingly viewed mercantilism as a burden as their economies grew. While there were some subsidies, many felt it exploited their interests in favor of Britain.
Mercantilism was tolerated as long as it was because goods were cheaper from Britain and Colonists could not afford to locally produce them.
Goals of Colonists Before the Revolution: Independence or Reconciliation?
Initial Goals: Many colonists initially sought reconciliation and a return to a governance style similar to Salutary Neglect.
Shift to Independence: Continuous British repression and significant events prompted a growing desire for complete separation, culminating in the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
America feels that they are robbed of inalienable rights (Britain people have)
Habeas Corpus
Privacy rights- specific search warrants
representation
British Perspectives on the Road to Revolution
Varied Perspectives in History- Understanding the multiple British viewpoints on the American Revolution is essential. Different figures presented contrasting opinions regarding colonial relationships:
Document 1: Tucker's Argument
Tucker believed separating from America could benefit Britain by allowing continued trade with the colonies while reducing governance costs.
Historical Significance: Highlights a pragmatic view of colonial separation as an economic strategy rather than a loss.
Document 2: Adam Smith's View
Adam Smith saw the colonies as an economic asset, emphasizing the benefits of granting more freedoms and representation to encourage growth in colonial productivity.
Historical Significance: Indicates the potential for a more mutually beneficial relationship, suggesting colonial independence could enhance the overall economy.
Document 3: Johnson's Proposals
Johnson's proposals, including reaffirming British control and imposing taxation, were likely to provoke rebellion.
Proposals negating colonial self-governance risked escalating tensions (e.g., Quartering Act).
Suggestions for independence could be seen positively from a colonial perspective.
Historical Significance: Reveals the misjudgment of colonial sentiments and potential missteps in maintaining control over the colonies.
Document 4: Political Cartoons
Political cartoons depicted Britain as weak and dependent, urging reconciliation over conflict.
Others emphasized unity and warned against rebellion, illustrating the detrimental impact on Britain.
They both show how separation can be bad for both countries and that Britain is dependent on colonies
Historical Significance: These images reflect contemporary concerns about the need for a cohesive empire and the risks of alienating the colonies, shaping perceptions of British authority.
Pitt's Role in British Parliament:
Pitt's speech was seen as treasonable, openly criticizing Parliament during wartime.
He argued that the British government was exacerbating the situation unnecessarily.
His critique of military strategy suggested that continuing the war was unsustainable.
Indicated potential support for colonial independence to avoid further loss of resources and funds.
Warned that British actions could provoke French interference, which did occur and led to America's victory.
Asserted that the Revolutionary War had implications similar to a world war.
Justified his criticism of British military actions as a means to benefit Britain in the long term.
Evolution or Revolution?
Transition from Resistance to Rebellion: The American Revolution is often viewed as evolving from colonial resistance rather than being a premeditated uprising. Early negotiations reflected ongoing efforts to preserve self-governance.
Revolutionary Identity: By the revolution's outbreak, a distinct American identity emerged, driven by narratives of liberty and anti-British sentiment.
Colonial Unity Prior to the Revolutionary War
Emerging Unity: Colonial grievances unified various groups, leading to actions like the Committees of Correspondence and coordinated boycotts against British goods. However, divisions persisted due to Loyalist sentiments in some regions.
Actions and Attempts of Colonial Congresses
1st Continental Congress (September 1774)
Declaration of Rights and Grievances:
Drafted a formal petition to King George III called the Declaration and Resolves, outlining colonial grievances particularly against the Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts).
Asserted that the colonies were entitled to the same rights as English citizens.
Tried to plan Galloway's plan for union with Britain.
Increased boycotts on British goods following the Intolerable Acts.
Economic Measures:
Established a boycott of British goods through the Continental Association, aiming to pressure Britain by cutting economic ties.
Called for the suspension of exports to Britain if grievances were not addressed.
Preparation for Future Action:
Organized a militia in preparation for any British aggression.
Agreed to reconvene in May 1775 if grievances were not resolved, signaling a willingness to escalate their efforts.
Desire for Reconciliation:
Expressed a desire for reinstating a governance similar to Salutary Neglect.
2nd Continental Congress (1775-1781) during rev war
Military Organization:
Formed the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as its commander-in-chief.
Organized resources and funding for the war effort against Britain.
Diplomatic Efforts:
Sent the Olive Branch Petition in July 1775 as a final attempt to seek peace, asserting loyalty while requesting repeal of oppressive legislation.
Negotiated foreign alliances, most notably the Treaty of Alliance (1778) with France.
Declaring Independence:
Drafted and adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, officially severing political ties with Britain and declaring the colonies as a united, independent nation.
Governance and War Efforts:
Established the Articles of Confederation (approved in 1777, ratified in 1781) as the framework for national government.
Oversaw military operations, raised funds, and issued currency to support the war efforts.
Noted that reliance on militias was unreliable as they were not being adequately compensated.
Post-Independence Administration:
Served as the temporary first government of the United States until fully ratification and implementation of the Articles of Confederation.
Initially met with intentions of reconciliation, influenced by Thomas Paine's Common Sense, leading to a shift towards fighting for independence.
Civil War Within a Civil War: Loyalists vs. Patriots
Are We Unified?: No
Consequences of Rebellion:
The defiance against the Crown was met with harsh threats: "You dare to go against the crown of England, "rebel will be dragged to the gallows" and faced the threat of being "hanged by the neck" or treated as "body and quarters at strings disposal."
Leonard's most convincing argument against revolution emphasized the disadvantages a colonial military would face compared to Britain. He pointed to the British generals' experience, training, organization, and resources as key advantages over a colonial militia.
However, Leonard's least convincing argument was that the militia would not support one another, as the shared goal of independence would unify Americans fighting in the militia.
Emotional Appeals for Independence:
Henry's famous statement, "Give me liberty or give me death!" resonated deeply, emotionally connecting Americans to rise against tyranny before suffering greater oppression.
With the war already underway, the acknowledgment that "there is no peace" solidified sentiments that separation would be messy but that chaos already existed.
The causes of liberty and support from God were articulated as being fundamentally on the side of the revolutionaries.
Loyalist Perspective:
Crevecoeur offers a unique perspective on American identity through storytelling, depicting a Loyalist who, despite his love for his country, flees his family and farm.
He recounts the story of Wilson, who was hanged by Patriots for providing shelter to Loyalists, highlighting that Wilson himself was sympathetic to the Loyalists but did not necessarily align with them.
This episode underlines that many Loyalists, particularly those residing along the frontier, opposed the war out of fear of violent conflict.
The societal divide was so pronounced that remaining neutral often posed severe dangers.
Was the Revolution a Minority Movement?
Demographic Divide: It’s estimated about one-third of colonists were Patriots, another third were Loyalists, and the remaining were neutral. This distribution suggests the Revolution had significant dissent despite a vocal Patriot faction.
Colonists' Purposes and Motivations for Fighting and the Declaration of Independence
Belief in Self-Governance:
Preston's motivation for fighting was centered on belief in self-governance and independence.
Highlights the colonists' desire for liberty beyond just reacting to grievances like British taxes and oppression.
Influence of Common Sense:
Thomas Paine's pamphlet, "Common Sense," inspired a shift toward independence from England, emphasizing liberty.
Argued that mercantilism hindered the colonies' economic potential through restrictions like the Navigation Acts.
Framed isolationism as a burden, risking dragging the colonies into Britain's foreign affairs.
Asserted that reconciliation with Britain would stifle the colonists' growing desire for freedom.
Logical and Passionate Appeal:
Paine primarily used logical arguments supported by evidence.
Employed strong language to evoke passion.
Antagonized Britain to garner sympathy from colonists, framing the British Empire as oppressive and justifying revolt.
Significance of the Declaration:
Official declaration of independence on July 2, following Lee's resolution.
Articulated in the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Jefferson’s document was impactful, articulating philosophical, moral, and practical reasons for independence.
Provided a framework for communicating the aspirations of the colonies to domestic and international audiences.
John Locke's Influence:
Jefferson incorporated Enlightenment philosophy, particularly John Locke’s compact theory.
Emphasized inalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Advocated for the right to self-governance.
Blame on the British Crown:
Jefferson primarily blamed King George III and the British Crown for oppressive acts and policies.
Policies drove the colonies together in a common purpose to fight for liberty and establish an independent identity.
Critique of Parliament represented wider grievances against British rule, simplifying the source of colonial frustration.
Acknowledgment of Colonial Faults:
Jefferson hinted that colonists were partially at fault for not seizing previous opportunities for resistance and unity.
Allowed patriots to galvanize a push for independence.
Reflected fears of change and the unknown.
Impact of Slavery on the Declaration:
Including a clause addressing the slave trade could have strengthened the moral foundation of the Declaration.
Demonstrated commitment to extending natural rights to all individuals.
Might have influenced foreign sympathy for America.
Could have spurred earlier debates on human rights regarding who qualifies as "all men created equal."
Potentially accelerated the abolition movement and reshaped history.
George Washington: Leadership During the American Revolutionary War
Reluctant Leader: Washington was a well-liked and humble man, often expressing a desire to retire to the backcountry rather than take on the role of a leader. Despite this reluctance, he emerged as a strategic and patient leader who greatly respected differing views.
Uniting the Colonists: Washington's respect for all perspectives contributed to his ability to unite various factions within the colonies. He engaged with both Loyalists and Patriots with respect, making him a popular figure among diverse groups. His main goal was fostering colonial unity, showcasing his leadership, popularity, and cautious decision-making. Unlike the more impassioned Patriots, Washington prioritized thoughtful strategies over impulsive risks in the pursuit of liberty.
Challenges Faced: Washington encountered several chief difficulties during his leadership:
Lack of Resources: His army faced significant shortages of money, food, and clothing, especially as harsh winter conditions approached.
Unreliable Militia: The militia was largely untrained and lacked experience and discipline, resulting in a low troop count and short-term enlistments. Many militiamen suffered from low morale, having not yet declared independence, leaving them without a strong sense of purpose.
Poor Fighter Performance: The militiamen, often ill-prepared, hesitated in battle due to their inexperience. Their desertion rates were high, largely driven by homesickness and a lack of adaptation to military life and expectations.
Standing Army Considerations: Washington recognized the colonies' hesitation towards a standing army, contrary to British practices. The Continental Army struggled with maintaining a consistent and disciplined troop presence as they had no formal standing army and only relied on militias until after WWII.
Ultimately, Washington's leadership was characterized by his commitment to unity and strategic caution, despite the significant challenges he faced in terms of resources and troop morale.
Trends During the Fighting of the Revolutionary War
Military Strategies: Evolving tactics saw Patriots adopting guerrilla methods against traditional British strategies.
Both sides blamed the other side for initial violence
International Involvement: France's participation shifted dynamics, symbolizing broader implications for independence.
Social Evolution: The conflict sparked discussions around rights, leading to advocacy from various groups for representation and rights amid the war's economic hardships and class struggles.
Conclusion
The American Revolution was marked by internal divisions and the complex interplay between colonial aspirations for self-rule, British attempts at control, and shifting social dynamics. The implications of these factors created a multifaceted conflict that shaped the emerging identity of the United States.