Introduction
The colonists who revolted against British monarchical rule were Patriots or Whigs. Their uprising was founded on republicanism, a social and political theory that opposed inherited power and the concepts of a monarchy and an aristocracy. Instead, the philosophy’s primary principles were liberty and inalienable human rights. The conceptual underpinnings of essential American documents like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights would be provided by republicanism1. The key ideas that the Patriots developed during the middle 18th century were later presented in the Grievances of the Declaration of Independence, and addressed in the Constitution.
Discussion
Economic factors dictated by the British trading policies presented the environment, where the key economic views of colonists were formed. The patriots were the supporters of economic expansion and the necessity of opposing tax increases. In the 1700s, the national debt was an issue for many nations, but the English colonies should not be held accountable for all the errors made by the British invaders 2. The Patriots opposed paying taxes levied by governments where the taxpayer was not represented in the legislature. Their catchphrase, “No taxation without representation” referred to the underrepresentation of minorities in the British Parliament3. As a response, the British asserted that there was “virtual representation” in that all members of Parliament spoke for the interests of all people living under the British Empire4. While some Patriots swore allegiance to the monarch, they insisted on having the freedom to govern themselves. Since the time of “salutary neglect” prior to the French and Indian War, they have been in charge of their affairs 5. Tax collectors and customs officers were put at risk when fanatical Patriots tarred and feathered them; this practice was common in Boston.
The desire to achieve political reform due to the underrepresentation of the locals in the legislature was another crucial component of the patriots’ activities. A culture of abuse prevented colonies from having a chance to become independent. The Declaration of Independence’s reference to the need for people to break away from political groups and be equal within the confines of natural laws demonstrated the founders’ grievance. Any laws or ordinances did not explicitly cover the connections between the Americans, the British, and other proprietors.
The American Revolution began in 1765 due to the patriots’ adoption of various tactics, including boycotts, administration reform, and consumer revolutions. English colonists specialized in the knowledge of how to subdue British power and obtain privileges as the metropole’s subjects. Adopting the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution was the first action performed after the United States won independence from the British invader6. The Constitution defined the duties of the administrative entities and strengthened the government by ensuring national security and defense. However, the concepts espoused in the Articles, such as the friendliness between people and free inhabitants, received scant attention7. The second government addressed the grievances mentioned in the Declaration of Independence in the Constitution by providing the changes in taxes, legal and militaristic system, creating the position of the President and ensuring the freedom of speech.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the English colonists were influenced by the economic and political injustices imposed by the British system. Hence, they have developed their own ideas of changes and reforms that have shaped the system of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. Despite its best efforts, the new United States could not handle every ethical issue, including civil liberties, humanitarian impact, education, cohesion, and the need to rectify complaints. Although the ideals of the Revolution were morally successful, there was still much work to create a perfect country.
Bibliography
Engrossed copy of the Declaration of Independence, August 2, 1776; Miscellaneous Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789; Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789, Record Group 360; National Archives.
George R. T. Hewes, A Retrospect of the Boston Tea-party, with a Memoir of George R.T. Hewes (New York: 1834), 37-41.
Locke, Joseph L., and Ben Wright, eds. The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open US History Textbook, Vol. 1: To 1877. Stanford University Press, 2019.
Shome, Parthasarathi. “Taxation in Early British Period.” Taxation History, Theory, Law and Administration. Springer, Cham, 2021. 35-40.
Thomas Paine, Common Sense (Project Gutenberg EBook: June 2008)
Footnotes
- 1 George R. T. Hewes, A Retrospect of the Boston Tea-party, 38
- 2 Locke, Joseph L., and Ben Wright, The American Yawp, 2019.
- 3 Locke, Joseph L., and Ben Wright, The American Yawp, 2019.
- 4 Shome, Pathasarathi, Taxation, 35
- 5 Shome, Pathasarathi, Taxation, 36
- 6 Thomas Paine, Common Sense (Project Gutenberg EBook: June 2008)
- 7 Declaration of Independence