Taxation Of America Analysis

Victor Hugo once said, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and which cannot remain silent.” Music is the freedom of expression used by those incapable, or forbidden to convey their beliefs. Although it may seem obvious to many Americans today, that each person could present their opinions without fear, it was the first colonists who fought for this right. Afterall, the colonists immigrated from Britain to the new world in search for freedom. However, when their homeland began to limit the rights of their own citizens in America, the colonists became dissatisfied. Unfortunately, oppression from the British limited colonists’ voices. They feared punishment if they proclaimed their rebellious opinions. Filled with rage, and inspiration …show more content…
Relatively few colonists had the education and resources necessary to publish informational pamphlets, or write petitions and send letters to Britain, which survived today as documents of the revolution. In the case of the Revolution, music was functional, not artistic. There was no time to compose new melodies, instead the goal was to comment on social issues. Often times, the progangdal verses were sung to British tunes. For instance, “Taxation of America” written by Peter St. John in 1765 is sung to the tune of "The British Grenadiers.” It focuses on the true events that colonists are affected by, but wants to remind them how unfair the taxes were. Words such as “We fear not your oppression in North America” inspired colonists to be brave and remember that they fled oppressors in Britain to find freedom in America. John Warren wrote the song “Free America” to that same British tune. The song mentioned, “Some future day shall crown us the masters of the main,” and the colonies will become an independent, dominant nation, just like Britain, France, or Spain. Another inspirational Revolutionary song was “The Liberty Song” written by John Dickinson, to the already existing melody of “Heart of Oak,” the march of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. It was one of the earliest patriotic songs in America presenting ideas such as, “Come join hand in hand, brave …show more content…
Learning from their experiences, the Founding Fathers wanted to prevent a tyrannical government in the future. Carefully, they discussed every issue when creating the Constitution, which is the outline of the government of the United States, still used today. Additionally, the Bill of Rights, the first Ten Amendments of the Constitution, was created to protect individuals’ rights. The first Amendment guarantees the Freedom of Expression for every American, overcoming the struggle of the colonists whose rights were restricted. It reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Not only are Americans able to speak their opinions, but are able to publish them in newspapers (with certain limitations). Americans no longer had to fear punishment from the government after conveying their opinions about a law, or politician to the public. Citizens were given the right to petition, to ensure that the government is being checked, and that it truly represents the needs of the people. Freedom of expression also covered the freedom of religion. In England, the Anglican Church was announced the official church of the