Introduction
The Declaration of Independence is a seminal document in American history that highlights the reasons colonists broke apart from the British Empire. Among the numerous grievances listed in the document, three key problems with the King and Parliament stand out as the most aggravating issues leading to the colonists’ decision to sever ties with Britain. These three problems are the enforcement of taxes without approval, the restriction of fundamental civil liberties, and the disruption of local self-governance.
Taxes
The imposition of taxes without consent was a significant issue for colonists. The British government considered that it had the right to tax the colonies without their consent, which the latter found was a violation of their rights as British subjects. In particular, the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts of 1767 imposed taxes on a wide range of goods, including legal documents, newspapers, and tea.
These taxes were seen as an unfair burden on the colonists, who had no representation in the British Parliament (“The Townshend Acts”). As noted in the Declaration of Independence, “imposing taxes on us without our consent” was one of the reasons the colonists declared their independence. The British government’s disregard for the colonists’ grievances about these taxes eventually resulted in the start of the American Revolution.
Violation of Rights
The denial of fundamental civil rights was another serious issue for the colonists. The British government implemented a series of laws restricting the colonists’ rights, including the Quartering Acts of 1765 and 1774, which allowed British troops to be housed in colonists’ homes. The British government also passed the Intolerable Acts in 1774, which closed Boston Harbor and placed Massachusetts under military rule (“The Quartering Act”). These actions were seen as an affront to the colonists’ basic civil rights and further eroded the relationship between Britain and the colonies. The British government had “erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people” (“Declaration of Independence”). Colonists viewed this change as a violation of their rights.
Intrusion Into Governance
Finally, the interference with local governance was a significant problem for the colonists. The British government had established a series of laws and regulations that limited the ability of the colonial governments to govern themselves. The Proclamation of 1763, for example, restricted colonists from moving beyond the Appalachian Mountains, while the Quebec Act of 1774 expanded the borders of Quebec into what colonists considered their territory.
Colonists believed that these actions were an attempt to undermine their ability to govern themselves, and they saw them as an affront to their autonomy (“The Royal Proclamation of 1763”). One such case was the deprivation of colonists “of the benefits of trial by jury” (“Declaration of Independence”). The obstruction of local officials’ power became yet another reason for colonists to refrain from the British Empire.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the imposition of taxes without consent, denial of basic civil rights, and interference with local governance became the leading causes of why colonists broke apart from the British Empire. These problems played a crucial role in weakening the bond between Britain and its American colonies, ultimately leading to the American Revolution’s outbreak. Colonists believed they had the right to be treated as British subjects and to have a say in the laws and regulations governing their lives. The British government’s refusal to listen to colonists’ objections to these issues ultimately led to the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the United States of America.
Works Cited
“Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.” Yale Law School. Web.
“The Quartering Act: Igniting the Powder Keg of War.” American Battlefield Trust. Web.
“The Royal Proclamation of 1763.” U.S. History. Web.
“The Townshend Acts.” Massachusetts Historical Society. Web.