Throughout the 1700s, tension was gaining between Great Britain and the colonists. Colonists begin to wonder if what the British Government was doing was truly benefitting the colonies . Democratic ideas from the Enlightenment, unfair taxes and laws, and revolutionary writings of the Founding Fathers all caused the American Revolution.
Great Britain set up many laws to benefit themselves rather than being for the good of the colonies. The Sugar Act was set up because it was a way to discourage smuggling to avoid taxes set on certain goods. Although smuggling was reduced, these taxes affected specifically rich captains, but also affected their trade. The colonists felt angry about this but only went as far as mild protests. Similar to the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act made the colonists very upset and they boycotted the law and refused to buy stamps. The Stamp Act required colonists to pay a stamp tax on all legal documents, contracts, wills, and even advertisements. The Townshend Acts was one of a series of taxes that taxed common items such as paper and …show more content…
Thomas Paine wrote in the vernacular, or language of the people so it was easier for colonists to understand. In addition to Common Sense, we have The Declaration of Independence. Its purpose was to convince and unite the colonists to support the revolution. Similar to John Locke, natural rights were included in the Declaration but instead of John Locke's life, liberty, and property, The Declaration of Independence says natural rights were life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration of Independence also provides a list of grievances against the king such as not letting them be represented in parliament, and imposing taxes without
Great Britain set up many laws to benefit themselves rather than being for the good of the colonies. The Sugar Act was set up because it was a way to discourage smuggling to avoid taxes set on certain goods. Although smuggling was reduced, these taxes affected specifically rich captains, but also affected their trade. The colonists felt angry about this but only went as far as mild protests. Similar to the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act made the colonists very upset and they boycotted the law and refused to buy stamps. The Stamp Act required colonists to pay a stamp tax on all legal documents, contracts, wills, and even advertisements. The Townshend Acts was one of a series of taxes that taxed common items such as paper and …show more content…
Thomas Paine wrote in the vernacular, or language of the people so it was easier for colonists to understand. In addition to Common Sense, we have The Declaration of Independence. Its purpose was to convince and unite the colonists to support the revolution. Similar to John Locke, natural rights were included in the Declaration but instead of John Locke's life, liberty, and property, The Declaration of Independence says natural rights were life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration of Independence also provides a list of grievances against the king such as not letting them be represented in parliament, and imposing taxes without