Toward Revolution Britain’s heavy-handed rescission of the Salutary Neglect policy in an effort to reestablish control of the colonies and the colonialist response carry important lessons. The developing economy and expansion of territory had occurred with little oversight and infringement on the part of Britain. With the end of the expensive French and Indian war and the clear reluctance of American colonists to fiscally support this effort, change was inevitable. Britain’s efforts to recoup finances and control via taxes, acts and tariffs, colonists who had previously enjoyed their revenue stream without this interference were highly resentful. The two key components that require recognition are; Britain likely pushed too hard
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Respecting and understanding these components of our history without bias offer a lesson towards preventing conflicts like this in our future. The end of the Seven Years War, colloquially called the French and Indian war by colonists prompted drastic changes in policy by Britain with significant ramifications. It is important to note that colonists in support of Britain’s efforts to overcome the French in North America had appealed to raise armies or fight with the British Armies (The French and Indian War). King George II rebuffed this effort and British officers frequently treated volunteer militia with contempt, thus Britain can be credited with fostering a separatist tone (The French and Indian War). The reforms enacted by Britain to regain money and control from the colonies had a disastrous effect on …show more content…
Although not all initially resisted, the increasing attempts by Britain to regain control via regulatory acts gave rise to ideological opposition. With the development of the Stamp Act Congress, the idea of collaborative resistance gained traction within the colonies. Through inflammatory propaganda printed in colonial newspapers and violence (often by members of the Sons of Liberty), boycotts organized by the Daughters of Liberty and political pamphlets drafted by Radical Whigs, an increasing sense of unification and patriotism developed. The writings of John Adams argued that the “colonists wanted liberty; they did not want to become slaves to the whim of a Parliament over which they had no control” (Schultz p. 88). Further pot stirring occurred with the writings of the Committees of Correspondence, they articulated and shared inflammatory political grievances intended to create a great sense of danger (Committees). As Britain worked to regain control, violence increased between factions, resulting in the Boston Massacre, the Gaspée incident and the Boston Tea Party. While colonists may have had genuine reason for concern regarding Britain’s efforts at control, there is an underlying thread of interest-oriented thinking (tax
Respecting and understanding these components of our history without bias offer a lesson towards preventing conflicts like this in our future. The end of the Seven Years War, colloquially called the French and Indian war by colonists prompted drastic changes in policy by Britain with significant ramifications. It is important to note that colonists in support of Britain’s efforts to overcome the French in North America had appealed to raise armies or fight with the British Armies (The French and Indian War). King George II rebuffed this effort and British officers frequently treated volunteer militia with contempt, thus Britain can be credited with fostering a separatist tone (The French and Indian War). The reforms enacted by Britain to regain money and control from the colonies had a disastrous effect on …show more content…
Although not all initially resisted, the increasing attempts by Britain to regain control via regulatory acts gave rise to ideological opposition. With the development of the Stamp Act Congress, the idea of collaborative resistance gained traction within the colonies. Through inflammatory propaganda printed in colonial newspapers and violence (often by members of the Sons of Liberty), boycotts organized by the Daughters of Liberty and political pamphlets drafted by Radical Whigs, an increasing sense of unification and patriotism developed. The writings of John Adams argued that the “colonists wanted liberty; they did not want to become slaves to the whim of a Parliament over which they had no control” (Schultz p. 88). Further pot stirring occurred with the writings of the Committees of Correspondence, they articulated and shared inflammatory political grievances intended to create a great sense of danger (Committees). As Britain worked to regain control, violence increased between factions, resulting in the Boston Massacre, the Gaspée incident and the Boston Tea Party. While colonists may have had genuine reason for concern regarding Britain’s efforts at control, there is an underlying thread of interest-oriented thinking (tax