The American colonies were becoming more separated from Britain every day. By 1763, their relationship was weak and the next thirteen years would do nothing but make it worse. Colonists were not initially resistant to British rule, but after years of being stripped of their freedoms they shifted toward the idea of separating from Britain and creating their own government that would incorporate Republican values.
After the Seven Years’ War, British troops remained in America. The cost of these troops added on to Britain’s already existing debt. In an attempt to create more revenue in America, Parliament passed the Sugar Act in 1764. The Sugar Act would reduce the tax on imported molasses from six pence to three pence, but this tax would be collected by British soldiers. The act also made it illegal to trade molasses with other countries, such as the Spanish and French, regulating trade between the colonies and Britain. The practice of smuggling illegal molasses to make things like rum would also be put to a halt with this act in place. Needless to say, the colonists were not thrilled about the Sugar Act. It put an unnecessary strain on the economy and smuggling never really stopped. The Sugar Act was followed by the Stamp Act in 1765. …show more content…
The Enlightenment sparked the colonists’ interests in Republican values. They understood the importance of having a written constitution. They began to see the difference between virtual and actual representation. Their commitment to Republicanism was greatly seen when they committed to the idea of no taxation without representation. They were starting to construct a government that was fit for the nation they lived in, not the one they came from, and when they realized Britain would not accept that they came up with the Declaration of
After the Seven Years’ War, British troops remained in America. The cost of these troops added on to Britain’s already existing debt. In an attempt to create more revenue in America, Parliament passed the Sugar Act in 1764. The Sugar Act would reduce the tax on imported molasses from six pence to three pence, but this tax would be collected by British soldiers. The act also made it illegal to trade molasses with other countries, such as the Spanish and French, regulating trade between the colonies and Britain. The practice of smuggling illegal molasses to make things like rum would also be put to a halt with this act in place. Needless to say, the colonists were not thrilled about the Sugar Act. It put an unnecessary strain on the economy and smuggling never really stopped. The Sugar Act was followed by the Stamp Act in 1765. …show more content…
The Enlightenment sparked the colonists’ interests in Republican values. They understood the importance of having a written constitution. They began to see the difference between virtual and actual representation. Their commitment to Republicanism was greatly seen when they committed to the idea of no taxation without representation. They were starting to construct a government that was fit for the nation they lived in, not the one they came from, and when they realized Britain would not accept that they came up with the Declaration of