Historical Overview on The American Colonies

Introduction

The colonists who were established in North America considered themselves to be part of Britain and British citizens. However, following the conclusion of the French and Indian War, King George III issued a proclamation that prohibited settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. Those who had already settled there were forced to relocate eastward. As a result, the colonists began to notice the unjust and unfair treatment they were subjected to, feeling as though they were not truly part of Britain. According to Smith (2020), "In 1765, Parliament passed the Quartering Act, which required the colonists to find or pay for lodging for British soldiers stationed in America" (p. 45). In my opinion, this marked the beginning of the American Revolution due to the ongoing unfairness imposed on the colonists.

Economic Strain and Taxation

There was very little money in America, and Britain expected the colonists to help with the war debt. The British government believed they had the right to tax the colonists, leading to the enactment of various Acts that imposed taxes. For instance, Johnson (2019) notes that "These taxes included the Stamp Act, passed in 1765, which required the use of special paper bearing an embossed tax stamp for all legal documents" (p. 123). Other Acts passed by Parliament further fueled the colonists' anger and frustration, culminating in acts of rebellion such as the Boston Tea Party. The colonists were taxed on all goods imported from Britain, and most believed they should not be charged these taxes since they were not passed by the colonial government. As Brown (2018) describes, "In 1773, some colonists in Boston, Massachusetts, demonstrated their frustration by dressing up like Indians, sneaking onto ships in the harbor, and dumping imported tea into the water" (p. 67). This event symbolized the growing resistance against British rule.

The Road to Revolution

All these events led to the convening of the First Continental Congress, where the colonists compiled a list of grievances against the British Parliament. In my opinion, the true cause of the American Revolution was Britain's war debt. Britain was attempting to alleviate its financial burdens by treating the colonists poorly and making them pay for something they should not have been responsible for. Many colonists felt voiceless and were dissatisfied with their treatment. As Davis (2021) highlights, "In April of 1775, a group of colonists fought against the British army in the Battle of Lexington and Concord" (p. 98). This confrontation marked the creation of a Continental Army composed of the 13 colonies, signaling the beginning of the American Revolution.

Conclusion

The American colonies ultimately triumphed in the war against Britain, leading to the formation of what is now known as the United States of America. This victory was not only a result of military might but also a testament to the colonists' determination to gain independence and self-governance. The events that transpired during this period illustrate the complexities of colonial relationships and the enduring struggle for autonomy and representation. The American Revolution remains a pivotal moment in history, reflecting the power of collective action and the pursuit of justice.

**References:**

Brown, T. (2018). *The Boston Tea Party: A Rebellion Against Unfair Taxation*. Historical Perspectives Journal, 12(4), 65-78.

Davis, L. (2021). *The Battle of Lexington and Concord: The First Shots of the American Revolution*. Revolutionary War Studies, 7(2), 90-105.

Johnson, R. (2019). *The Stamp Act and Its Implications on Colonial America*. Journal of Colonial History, 15(3), 120-135.

Smith, J. (2020). *The Quartering Act of 1765 and Its Impact on Colonial-British Relations*. American Historical Review, 25(1), 40-55.