The United States of America as we know them today have come a long way from the thirteen original colonies. It was Britain itself that helped form the nation we know today. Together with the Parliament, the king had made life so unfair for the colonists that they had to fight back with all they had. “Suddenly the colonies were recognized as a source of revenue, and benign neglect ended; when that happened, the trouble began quickly.” (Henry)
After feeling the pull of Britain, they took charge. They turned to violence, boycotting and protests. Americans were denied many rights, including rights on land. Proclamation f 1765 was followed by the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act and the Townshend acts from Britain’s side. They were doing everything to keep their power. However, the colonies realized that they wanted to be independent, they wanted to control their own lands and have their own government. Taxation without representation was not for them. Boycotts and protests were held. The Sons of Liberty issued documents trying to preserve the rights of the colonies. The peaceful approach simply did not work. The Boston Tea Party was among the first semi-violent acts of the colonists.
The Americans understood that in order to be treated fairly, they have to take care of themselves. They needed to stand up for themselves and they were ready. The Declaration of Independence was the final step on the path to separation from Britain and independence. The war for independence had begun a year earlier. “When the British finally surrendered on October 19, 1781, Americans were officially independent of Britain and set about establishing their own government. “ (America’s Story)
References
1. Henry J. Sage. 2005-6 The Coming Revolution: Colonial Background . http://www.academicamerican.com/colonial/topics/rev.html
2. America’s Story from America’s Library. Library of Congress. Jump Back in Time. http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/index.php
