Introduction
After France’s defeat in Canada, Britain remained the only power left in Eastern North America. The colonies were now free to spread over the vast continent and increase their wealth.
Therefore, for the British Government, it was natural that the colonists, whose prosperity was increasing, should contribute to the British economy.
The financial measures affecting trade and the arbitrary taxes decided in London soon became intolerable to the colonists. They now have the opportunity and the financial means to stand on their own feet and manage their own affairs.
Instead of being treated as equal partners, the American colonists were considered by the Prime Minister as second-rate citizens or children :
“This is the mother country. They are the children, they must obey and we prescribe”.
William Pitt
More than a rebellion against patriarchal authority, the War of Independence, was the first modern political revolution.
It started with the universal democratic slogan: “No taxation without representation“.
By rising against Britain the colonists exploded the myth of English liberty while using at the same time the principles that the people of England themselves had established one century before in the Glorious Revolution.
Origins of the Revolution
Several circumstances had put a strain on Anglo-American relations in the 18th century.
First, Britain merchants manipulated the House of Commons into voting a series of protective acts that were detrimental to the colonial economy.
Further restrictions were imposed through arbitrary taxation decided in London.
Another dissatisfaction came from the costs of the British European wars to which they were forced to contribute.
1763: the Royal Proclamation prohibited any British settlement west of the Appalachians, which created a major land problem in the colonies and restricted economic expansion.
So economic and patriotic motivations were closely linked in creating a feeling of rebellion.
