The American Revolution is notoriously known as the birth of our great countries’ independence from England. In this time thirteen colonies rose up to stop the unfair treatment that they had been receiving from British monarchy and aristocracy. The thirteen colonies which were primarily under English control had declared themselves independent and renamed themselves the United States of America. This rebellion is probably the most important thing is U.S. history and yet most people still disagree on the causes of it. They each have their own idea as to why the colonist decided to break from Great Britain. Probably the most famous opinions are in Thomas Paines’ “Common Sense” and Reverend Samuel Seaburys’ “Letters of a Westchester Farmer”.
Thomas Paine was a Patriot meaning he felt the colonies should ban together and fight for independence. …show more content…
He was not alone however. About 1/3 of the colonies’ population were patriots. To further convince others to join the cause Paine developed a pamphlet entitled “Common Sense”. This handwritten pamphlet had around 220,000 copies after six months. He recalls the kings inconvenient taxing. The King of England had placed many taxes on the colonist most of which were used to pay off a war debt the English had acquired while fighting the French and Indian War. This unreasonable taxing had infuriated the colonist. Not only were the taxes high but now they had to pay for a war had they taken no part in. These taxes were on everyday products that colonists used frequently. Paine also talks about how Britain’s’ monarchy was turning into a tyranny. The King had begun to abuse his power and the colonies were suffering the most. He imposed acts that were seen as unfair in every colony. Acts like the Quartering Act force colonists to let soldiers stay in their homes. He also shipped British prisoners to the colonies due to overcrowding in Europe. One of the most important reasons to begin a revolution was to obtain equal treatment as other British citizens. Though most of the colonist were originally from England these citizens did not have all the right citizens living in England had. They were in fact treated differently and not giving representation. The King and Parliament imposed acts and taxes relentlessly on their citizens living in a place they had never even seen and had not even consulted anyone living in the colonies. The taxes and acts angered the colonist but not having any say or vote on these infuriated them. Thomas Paine writes about these problems and determines that these are probable causes for a revolution. Another opinion is of Reverend Samuel Seabury which he wrote in the letters entitled “Letters of a Westchester Farmer”. Though Seabury does not agree with the King on some issues, he is still loyal. Samuel Seabury is what is known as a Loyalist meaning he remained loyal to the King during revolutionary time. Just like the Patriots 1/3 of the colonist were Loyalist. The remaining citizens remained neutral throughout the revolution. His loyalty is expressed in his writing by stating, “If I must be enslaved, let it be by a King at least, and not by a parcel of upstart lawless Committee-men. If I must be devoured, let me be
Thomas Paine was a Patriot meaning he felt the colonies should ban together and fight for independence. …show more content…
He was not alone however. About 1/3 of the colonies’ population were patriots. To further convince others to join the cause Paine developed a pamphlet entitled “Common Sense”. This handwritten pamphlet had around 220,000 copies after six months. He recalls the kings inconvenient taxing. The King of England had placed many taxes on the colonist most of which were used to pay off a war debt the English had acquired while fighting the French and Indian War. This unreasonable taxing had infuriated the colonist. Not only were the taxes high but now they had to pay for a war had they taken no part in. These taxes were on everyday products that colonists used frequently. Paine also talks about how Britain’s’ monarchy was turning into a tyranny. The King had begun to abuse his power and the colonies were suffering the most. He imposed acts that were seen as unfair in every colony. Acts like the Quartering Act force colonists to let soldiers stay in their homes. He also shipped British prisoners to the colonies due to overcrowding in Europe. One of the most important reasons to begin a revolution was to obtain equal treatment as other British citizens. Though most of the colonist were originally from England these citizens did not have all the right citizens living in England had. They were in fact treated differently and not giving representation. The King and Parliament imposed acts and taxes relentlessly on their citizens living in a place they had never even seen and had not even consulted anyone living in the colonies. The taxes and acts angered the colonist but not having any say or vote on these infuriated them. Thomas Paine writes about these problems and determines that these are probable causes for a revolution. Another opinion is of Reverend Samuel Seabury which he wrote in the letters entitled “Letters of a Westchester Farmer”. Though Seabury does not agree with the King on some issues, he is still loyal. Samuel Seabury is what is known as a Loyalist meaning he remained loyal to the King during revolutionary time. Just like the Patriots 1/3 of the colonist were Loyalist. The remaining citizens remained neutral throughout the revolution. His loyalty is expressed in his writing by stating, “If I must be enslaved, let it be by a King at least, and not by a parcel of upstart lawless Committee-men. If I must be devoured, let me be