causes of american revolution

Question 1

increasing imperal authority

Answer 1

• BR said best way to srop future conflict - permenant standing army
• bute’s gv said ist for proetction
• many polticains angry colonists didnt do much for cost of war they should contribute to pending
• army would also proetct from future act also stop settler colonist from moving furtehr
• thoyght would help resolve probelems with NA fr land and fur
• uphold by proclamation 1763 grenville giiv set boudnries for colonail settlement delcares null void
• 7 yrs = rise in BR debt
• intrest payments by 1763 4.4 mill gov income 8 mil so grenville needs way to increase income
• cost of colonial defenece also increased from 70,000 in 1748 to 350,000 in 1763 would rise evn more so said colonsist should pay for it slf
• this justified by pontiacs rebiilon may 1762 cheif blooddy rveolt 2000 maryland virgna
  detriot under siege BR forces had to egt back persude some tribes to move
• BR won but cost increse again
• lead to proclamation 1763 and cider tax in BR lead to anger in BR riots broke out worse whne BR troops got back told how colonies are thriving

Question 2

colonial reaction

Answer 2

• but colonist dints see developments in same way
• attempt to stop expansion not welcomed
• popluatio growing rapidly after deafeat of FR were expecting to move to FR land
• stoping moving seen as voilation of self determiantion
• standing army = abnormal after slautary neglect not used to stict
• colonial attitudes start to change
• instaed seeing army as proetction see as trouble
• threat to oppertnity for more land
• also effect land owners partrick henry who had establsihed cmapnies to take this land
• army told to pay for your own dfeence even though dint ask for it not repersented in parliment when taxed for it
• saw as attack on rights
• gov threatening economy + liberty
• clear changes in attidues of colonits 1762
• start of 7 yrs war trrops been welcomed best way to proetct them but now when FR threat gone seen as pointless + costly
• proclamtion would make it easier for bristish govermnt to control tax as colonists confined to small area
• colonist attitude claer when moved beyond proclamation depsiet told not to

Question 3

how/why did issues taxations affect relations 1763 -68

Answer 3

• after 7 yrs victory spending incarese BR heavy debt normal that colonies pay for own defence
• but colonits not willing to pay all n war pitt had to pay extra so money already a problem
  colonisst mianianly worried vaout no taxtaion without reprsentaion
• as result of growing debt colonisst asked to contribute to costs
  probelmn = tax raised by BR parlimenet has no rpersentaion threaten freedom

Question 4

anti sumuggling legsilations

Answer 4

• trade laws already exsist to raise rvenue but notcolllected customs oficlascooruput lazy so sumuggling common
  but in 1763 gov took action to reducse smuggling
• colonial customs offecers had to live america and cant leave task to deputies
  colonial courts were esay going but lost jurisdiction over tehse cases given one single judge in vice admiralty court more harsher sentences all of these signs salutary negelct finished

Question 5

sugar act 1764

Answer 5

• sugar major role in colonail economy imported as molalses - rum major indutry for new england
• colonists smuggled molasses from french west indies to aviod paying 6d dty per galon
• to reduce smuggling reduced to 3 d
• despite reduction lead to oppostion even though wouldnt go to bristish tresure for own defence
• unlike old taxes enfirced harshley
• biggest problem = in past legislation used to reguate trade now used to raise revenue without consent of those being taxed
• sitaution changed as part of thsi legsilation grenville added other products enumertaed commoditeis wine prinetd textiles coffe
• any offical taht took a bribe fined 500
• evident colonits facsing giv more stermined to collect dutes that ingnored in past
• sugar tax also without infomed nine colonial assemblis written to gov arging abused power
  accepted parliment had right to regulate tarde but not rise tax without consent lawyer james otis member of massachusetts assembly that tax without repersentaion is tryanny

Question 6

curunncy act 1764

Answer 6

• 7 yrs war virgina issues alot of paper moeney
• this act banned colonail currency
• only bristih made harder for bristih to pay debt
• tax also at wrong time eng of war collapse demand of supplies so economic depression so deflatio caused by act thraetended with bankcrupcy

Question 7

stamp act 1765-66

Answer 7

• on any legal document newspaper legal documents
• first tax tehy would pay directly to BR not local gov
• lead to virgina resolves patrcik henry in which right of parliemnt to tax colonist without consent refused
  resolves also said righst of colonists as bristsih citizens to consent to laws that governed them
• 1765 8 assembleis passed resolutions condmeing it in autumn
  massachutess assembly suggest inter colonail meeting led to stamp act congress NY oct 1765
• in massachusetess 9 loyal patriot polotical organistaion found sons liberty

Question 8

stamp tax congress + mob action

Answer 8

• oct 1765 27 delegates from 9 colonies metat stamo act congress condemn it threat to rghst
• argued only their colonies had right to tax
  called for reappeal of stamp act abolition of vice admirlty courts and restortaion of old more lenient colonail legal system
• hwover tehse protests alone without small support dint gain much
• rioting thrugh colonies created chaos impossible for officlas to collect tax
• effiges of andrew oliver lord bute hung from liberty tree boston
• olivers office house attacked = resignition
• homes of other britsih officlas also targeted by mobs
  property owners in boston feared unrest become oppertunity for mobs to attak poverty owners indisrciantly
• voilence spraed to NY casuing stamp act distributions to resgin out of fear of their lives
• mob action meant stamo act could not be enforcwed unless BR giv willing to use force as no one to collect stamp duty but most of Br tropps in nova soctia handling proclamtion in appalichain nad could only be used if governer requested
• in br fall of grenville gov led to rockingham PM
• ## the destruction of tax caused meant trade effected so now willing to negcoiate with colonists as other memebrs paliment pitt said colonsist right

Question 9

sons of liberty

Answer 9

• A semi-secret society by men organising mob action, gained urban support, especially in the North.
• Membership both elites + small
• limited influence in southern colonies lacked large-scale rural support.
• played role in maintaining ideological issues keeping political temperature raised.
• Oct1765, appealed public to boycott British goods until Stamp Act repealed.
• boycott spread throughout the colonies.

Question 10

reapeal stamp act + declatory act

Answer 10

• Rockingham PM 1765, supported upholding Parliament’s rights but was cautious in their application.
• faced pressure from BR merchants worried about loss of trade+General Gage advised Stamp Act could not be enforced without increasing troop numbers.
• BR - repeal sign of weakness.
• After heated parliamentary debates Stamp Act repealed in March 1766
• but same day declatory passed clear paliment nit abandon right to tac colonists
• BR said parliment and crwn had full right
• popele happy now aware of prcaticla powe can use in future historian rober middle kkauf said if had not been taken back would ahve caused revoluion

Question 11

ideological debate intro

Answer 11

• new ideas about life, humanism, philosophy, religion and education opened up people’s minds to new ideas about how their lives should be run, and governed.
• focus of education thirst for knowledge overwhelming availability of newspapers, ink, paper, etc. makes ideology a key factor in the cause of the American Revolution.

Question 12

Montesquieu

Answer 12

Spirit of the Laws his ideas on gov law, and political theory.
- In this book, introduced concept of separation of powers, advocating for a government divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
- argued dividing power would prevent any one group gaining too much control protecting political liberty

Impact of Montesquieu’s Ideas on the Colonists
- theory revolutionary framework for checks and balances within gov
- His ideas spread to American colonists, who were increasingly dissatisfied with absolute power and tyranny they experienced under British rule, particularly under King George III.
- colonists inspired by idea that a just government should protect individual freedoms and prevent abuse of power.
- Enlightenment thinkers like Montesquieu influenced American intellectuals, including key figures such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Adams. These leaders were heavily involved in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

How Montesquieu’s Ideas Led to the American Revolution
- advocacy for political liberty separation of powers directly influenced structure of American government.
- Colonial leaders began to see BR gov’s centralized control over colonies threat to freedoms, in stark contrast to Montesquieu’s vision of a balanced government.
- ideas fueled colonists’ belief in the need for a gov that represented will of people than interests of monarch.
- shift in thinking led to growing desire for independence self-governance, contributing to the colonial protests, writings, and events that eventually sparked the American Revolution.
- federalists paper s

Question 13

John Wilkes

Answer 13

• BR politician
• Key Work: influential publication, “The North Briton”, particularly Issue No. 45, published in 1763.
• No. 45 critical essay against King George III + BR gov especially in response to king’s speech supporting the Treaty of Paris ended 7 yrs wr
• accused gov of corruption, misuse of power, and betrayal of the BR people’s interests, which resonated with many who were frustrated with British policies

Impact of Wilkes’s Ideas on the American Colonists
- outspoken criticism of BR monarchy + gov made him symbol of fight for free speech+individual liberties.
- colonists, growing increasingly dissatisfied with British rule, especially regarding issues like taxation without representation, admired Wilkes’s courage in standing up to authority.
- His legal battles (after being arrested for libel due to his writings) became a focal point for debates about civil liberties, particularly regarding freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and protection against unlawful arrests.
- his struggles led to broader discussions both Br+ colonies about rights of citizens vs powers of gov

How John Wilkes’s Actions Led to the American Revolution
- colonists inspired by his defense of civil liberties+ began to draw parallels between his fight against governmental overreach and their own struggles against British colonial policies.
- Wilkes and Liberty: The slogan “Wilkes and Liberty” became a popular rallying cry among colonists who were demanding greater political freedoms and resisting British-imposed taxes and regulations, such as the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts of 1767.
- Wilkes’s case highlighted issues of unjust governance, reinforcing the colonists’ belief that their rights were being violated by British rule. His stance on liberty emboldened colonial resistance.
- Colonists saw Wilkes as a martyr for the cause of freedom after he was arrested, imprisoned, and expelled from Parliament multiple times. His repeated re-elections by his constituents, despite being barred from taking his seat, showcased the public’s defiance against government oppression.
- The Massachusetts Circular Letter of 1768, which protested against the Townshend Acts, even referred to the principles of freedom Wilkes championed, suggesting that his influence had reached across the Atlantic.

Question 14

Voltaire

Answer 14

• Key Works: Candide” (1759): A satirical novel that criticized the optimism of the time and exposed the injustices of society, religion, and government.
• Key Ideas: Freedom of Speech: Voltaire famously said, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” embodying his commitment to free expression.
• Critique of Absolute Monarchy: was critical of absolute monarchies, advocating for enlightened despotism where rulers would govern according to reason and protect individual freedoms.
  Impact of Voltaire’s Ideas on the American Colonists
• Inspiration for Liberty:advocacy for civil liberties, particularly freedom of speech and religious tolerance, had a profound impact on the American colonies, where people were growing frustrated with British rule and its infringement on their rights.
• Challenging Authority: colonists were influenced by Voltaire’s criticisms of absolute monarchy and religious intolerance, seeing parallels with their own struggles against the British Crown and the Church of England.
• Enlightenment Influence: Voltaire’s ideas were part of the broader Enlightenment movement, which shaped the intellectual climate of the 18th century and laid the groundwork for revolutionary thinking. American intellectuals like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams were well-versed in Enlightenment philosophy, including Voltaire’s works.
  How Voltaire’s Ideas Led to the American Revolution
• Critique of Tyranny: Voltaire’s relentless criticism of tyrannical governments and his call for reforms encouraged the American colonists to question the legitimacy of British rule, especially as they faced oppressive measures like the Stamp Act (1765), Townshend Acts (1767), and the Intolerable Acts (1774).
• Influence on the Founding Fathers:
• Freedom of Religion: Voltaire’s writings on religious tolerance influenced Thomas Jefferson, who advocated for the separation of church and state, culminating in policies like the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1786).
• Freedom of Speech: The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and religion, reflects Voltaire’s influence on the need for protecting civil liberties.
• Encouragement of Skepticism: Voltaire’s emphasis on questioning authority and using reason inspired American leaders to demand a government based on the consent of the governed rather than on divine right or hereditary rule.
  Examples of Voltaire’s Influence on Revolutionary Sentiment• Freedom of the Press: Voltaire’s emphasis on the importance of free expression resonated in the American colonies, where the press played a crucial role in spreading revolutionary ideas. Pamphlets like Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” (1776) echoed the Enlightenment principles that Voltaire championed.
  • Advocacy for Justice: Voltaire’s famous fight

Question 15

John Locke

Answer 15

Key Works:
- Two Treatises of Government” (1689): Locke’s most influential work where he laid out theories on government, liberty, and individual rights.
- An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” (1689): Focused on the nature of human knowledge and understanding, arguing that people are shaped by their experiences.
Key Ideas:
- Natural Rights: Locke asserted that all individuals are born with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and property.
- Social Contract: He believed that governments are formed through a social contract to protect these natural rights. If a government fails to do so, citizens have the right to overthrow it.
- Government by Consent: Locke argued that legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed, not on the divine right of kings.
- Right to Revolution: One of Locke’s most radical ideas was that people have the right to revolt against a government that becomes tyrannical or violates their rights.

Question 16

Rousseau

Answer 16

Key Works:
- The Social Contract” (1762): most influential political work, where he argued that legitimate political authority comes from a social contract agreed upon by all citizens for their mutual benefit.
- Discourse on the Origin of Inequality” (1755): Explored the corrupting influence of civilization on human nature and critiqued social hierarchies and the concentration of power.
- Emile, or On Education” (1762): Focused on education and personal freedom, emphasizing the development of individuals into free-thinking citizens.
Key Ideas:
- Popular Sovereignty: Rousseau argued that the power of the government should be derived from the general will of the people. He believed that true sovereignty rests not with monarchs, but with the collective will of the citizens.
- Social Contract: Unlike earlier thinkers like Hobbes, Rousseau’s social contract was about creating a community where individuals freely agree to participate in a collective body politic that protects their freedoms and interests.
- Equality and Freedom: Rousseau championed the idea that all men are born free and equal, with a focus on civic freedom over the tyranny of absolute rulers.
Impact of Rousseau’s Ideas on the American Colonists
- Influence on Revolutionary Thought: Rousseau’s emphasis on popular sovereignty and the collective will influenced American colonists’ belief in self-governance. His ideas supported the notion that the people have the right to reject rulers who do not serve their interests.
- Democratic Ideals: Rousseau’s critique of inequality and his vision of a government based on equality and liberty resonated with American ideals. His belief in government by consent aligned with the American colonists’ rejection of British monarchy and aristocracy.
How Rousseau’s Ideas Led to the American Revolution
- Justification for Rebellion: Rousseau’s concept of the social contract inspired colonists to view British rule as illegitimate since it violated their rights and freedoms. This laid the groundwork for demanding independence.
- Influence on the Declaration of Independence: The Declaration’s assertion that governments derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed” reflects Rousseau’s belief in popular sovereignty.
- Emphasis on Equality: Rousseau’s ideas about equality influenced the American Revolution’s focus on creating a society where individuals had the freedom to pursue their interests, without being dominated by a ruling class.

Question 17

Thomas Paine

Answer 17

Key Works:
- Common Sense” (1776): A highly influential pamphlet that argued for American independence, directly challenging the legitimacy of the British monarchy and advocating for the creation of a democratic republic.
- The American Crisis” (1776-1783): A series of pamphlets written during the Revolutionary War to inspire American soldiers and civilians to continue the fight against Britain.
- Rights of Man” (1791-1792): Defended the French Revolution and argued for individual rights and democratic government, expanding on ideas of liberty and equality.
Key Ideas:
- Republicanism: Paine was a strong advocate for a republic, where the government is based on the consent of the governed, rather than a monarchy or hereditary rule.
- Natural Rights: He believed that all individuals are born with natural rights and that governments should exist to protect those rights, not suppress them.
- Anti-Monarchy: Paine’s writings were a scathing critique of the British monarchy, arguing that it was an outdated and oppressive form of government.
Impact of Paine’s Ideas on the American Colonists
- Catalyst for Independence: “Common Sense” had an immediate and widespread impact on public opinion in the colonies. It sold over 500,000 copies within a few months, making complex political ideas accessible to ordinary people and rallying them to the cause of independence.
- Moral Justification for Revolt: Paine’s arguments gave the colonists a moral justification for breaking away from Britain, framing independence not just as a political necessity, but as a moral obligation to secure their freedom.
- Unity Among Colonists: By appealing to shared grievances and a common desire for liberty, Paine’s writings helped unite the colonists across social and economic classes, strengthening the resolve to fight for independence.
How Paine’s Ideas Led to the American Revolution
- Encouraging Action: “Common Sense” urged immediate action against British rule, persuading many colonists who were undecided or hesitant to support the revolutionary cause.
- Inspiration During the War: “The American Crisis” series, which began with the famous line “These are the times that try men’s souls,” was read to American troops to boost morale during the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, encouraging them to persevere in the fight for independence.
- Influence on the Declaration of Independence: Paine’s call for a break from Britain and the establishment of a democratic government influenced the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, with its emphasis on natural rights and the right to overthrow tyrannical rule.

Question 18

Townsend duties

Answer 18

• 1766 Pitt earl of Chatham PM
• against stamp act parliaments right to legislate colonies dint include taxing
• gov took balence books decided introduce measures to meet 400k bill gov faced putting army in America
• chancellor of exchequer - Charles Townsend made series of duties
• had 2 goals raise revenue for troops and colonists accept elected assembleis subordinate to Brit gov
• put tax on wine china pain tea paper
• all of these colonies can’t make so pay tax
• colonies accept right of giv to regulate trade colonies+br
  Made to tighten control made American board of customs commissioners in Boston to enforce duties use money to pay salary of officials
• gave quartering act 1765
• NY restraining act 1767 - suspended NY assembly til complied
• wanted to put fear in colonies
• john Dickinson rebelled letters of a Pennsylvania farmer said it was attack
• Massachusetts circular letter - attack Boston organising boycott

Question 19

Resistance to Townsend

Answer 19

-BRdecision to impose Townshend played significant role in worsening relations
- Duties didn’t bring enough revenue to support troops, duties were more for giving message to colonists that parliamentary sovereignty was still a fact.
-Actions of bRgov provoke colonists.
- They led to an attack by intellectuals on power of Brit executive + weakening of colonial assemblies.
- Massachusetts circular letter – Samuel Adam’s + James Otis.Otis. followed by a revival of the sons of liberty movement
- Boston organised way of boycotting brit goods – some opposition to this.
- By 1769, each colony except New Hampshire had an organisation to establish boycott of brit goods + some places committees were established to enforce it
- Those who broke it = tar and feathered – boycotts united colonists

Question 20

Boston massacre

Answer 20

• decision by Br gov to make American board of ctoms in Boston mistake as it was leading boycotted + gov dint and enough people to stop smuggling
• commissioners can’t do job so ask Royal Navy which sized a vessel belonging to John Hancock Boston merchant + leader of sons of liberty led to sons liberty take control Boston
• situation worse = make Secretary of colonial affairs earl of hillsbourgh
• wanted to punish Boston asked Massachusetts to reappear letter which in a vote of 92 -17 refused - governor closing assembly
• Boston ungovernable so governor Francis Bernard request bR troops to enforce order
• situation made worse by some Boston newspapers making up stories of brutality by British soilderes
• Boston massacre 5th march 1770 few weeks before 11 yr old boy killed in riot sons liberty turned funeral into demonstration
• massacre = while guarding customs hosue br troops attacked by colonist seized a solider open fire kill 5 civilians• Galvanized Colonial Opposition: The Boston Massacre (1770) fueled anti-British sentiment by depicting British soldiers as aggressors who killed innocent colonists, leading to widespread outrage and uniting the colonies against British oppression.
  • Propaganda and Mobilization: Colonial leaders like Samuel Adams used the incident as propaganda, spreading it through engravings and pamphlets that framed it as a brutal attack, thereby rallying support for resistance and setting the stage for revolutionary action.

Question 21

Boston tea party

Answer 21

• new BR gov north 1770 replaces hillsbrough with earl of Dartmouth reappeared Townsend duties expect one on tea
  To show supermcu of gov
• north successfully as Ny abandon policy of no imports with other ports following
• but radicles not happy with comities of corresponance set in Boston but then throughout colonies they were quick to discuss colonial problems and by 1774 only North Carolina and penselviya idnt have it
• but situation changed with tea act 1773 East Indian company to export cheap tea direct to colonies gives it monopoly in tea trade threaten colonial merchants selling otehr tea
• merchant act as middle men for East Indian tea purchased though Britain this threatened to knock out colonial tea merchants out of business
• small a tax. Rise colonists think it is an attempt of parlimernty taxation measure is attacked in papers violence against people importing East Indian tea
• mos violent reaction - Boston nov 1773 merchant ship Dartmouth arrived 114 chests of tea gov and colonist failed to find solution for ongoing problems
• ## 60 sons of liberty dressed as Mohawk Indians through 343 chests of tea into harbour

Question 22

Intolerable acts 1774- 75

Answer 22

• Br gov can’t give authority to be challenged
• north convinced actions challenged Br systems Boston needs to be punished
• Boston port closes till tea money back
  Massachusetts charter revised sos authority of giv incarese murder trials transfer to BR
• new quivering act military more power put troops homes
• gov of mascahtues replaced by general age commander of BR in Boston
• Massachusetts colonists seen a sheros colonies defend them fear there gov will be replaced too
• some jurisdiction form BR give repsond to the party by passing Quebec act 1774
• french Canada ruled by royal governor he will elect assembly extended boundaries to south making all colonial claims to taht area invalided
• seen as way to stop colonial expansion
  Also to put catholic hold as upheld catholic chruch

Question 23

How important political ideas

Answer 23

• many reasons for split = literacy rate number of printing presses booksellers in colonies more than 30 newspapers in 1763 enlightment ideas spread fast
• opposition encouged but English writer Thomas Paine pamphalet common sense colonist should be given independence largest viewing of any American book
• lots of political energy in colonies = colony had own assembly + provided forum for political discussion
• people able to exploit political ideas make BR seem worse to justify action of radical groups e.g sons of liberty

Question 24

American whiggism

Answer 24

• Colonial Political Ideology: American colonists saw themselves as inheriting the tradition of English Whiggism, which defended popular rights, representative institutions, and freedoms against tyranny, particularly after the rule of King James II.
• Concerns Over Executive Power: Colonists became wary of growing executive power, especially with the presence of a standing army after the Seven Years’ War, which they viewed as a sign of potential tyranny.
• John Wilkes and Corruption: British politician John Wilkes accused the king and his ministers of despotism, suggesting that liberties were being suppressed in both Britain and America, which reinforced colonial fears.
• Resistance to Taxation: The British attempt to impose taxes for colonial defense, like the Stamp Act, was seen as an attack on colonial liberties. John Adams criticized it as a tool to undermine American rights, leading to the Virginia Resolves (1765), which denied Parliament’s right to tax without consent.
• Fundamental Rights and Consent: Colonists argued, drawing on John Locke’s principles, that as British citizens, they needed to consent to the laws that governed them, particularly concerning taxation. Richard Bland’s writings and John Adams’ observations noted an increased colonial awareness of their rights.
• Parliamentary Overreach: Publications like “An Inquiry into the Rights of British Colonies” criticized Parliament’s authority to impose internal taxes, leading to colonial arguments for limiting Parliament’s power over individuals.
• Continued Suspicion of British Intentions: Despite the repeal of the Stamp Act, colonial distrust persisted, especially after the Townshend Duties and military actions following the seizure of the vessel Liberty.
• Escalation of Tensions: Ideological resistance grew, with figures like John Dickinson and Samuel Adams challenging British policies, particularly taxation without representation, and emphasizing property rights.
• Trigger Events: The Tea Act and the resulting Boston Tea Party intensified resistance, while the Coercive and Quebec Acts raised fears of arbitrary government, prompting further colonial opposition.
• Ideological Foundation: Colonists viewed British actions as a deliberate attempt to subvert their liberties, leading to a stronger push for independence, driven by both ideological beliefs and popular resistance actions like protests and effigy hangings.

Question 25

Role of American political leaders

Question 26

Samual Adam’s

Answer 26

1722-1807
- realised colonial leaders unable to change BR policy w/t popular support.
-developed mass protest in Massachusetts – led to opposition developing elsewhere.
- Adams key figure among group of Boston shopkeepers – loyal 9 + attack people supporting stamp act, able to unite gangs in town + attack brit officials.
- Led to forming of sons of liberty – ensure even after act is repealed political consciousness remains.
- Adams played role in sending Massachusetts circular letter 1768 = denounces Townshend acts
- 1771 at Boston town meeting Adam’s created committee of correspondence = inform Massachusetts of colony grievances - spread to colonies – gave a focus for radical activity.
- Claimed Adams played key role-played important role in planning + directing Boston tea party + leading opposition to coercive acts.

Question 27

John Dickinson

Answer 27

1732 - 1808
- Pennsylvanian lawyer +politician +prominent leader of opposition to BR 1768 = published Letters of a Pennsylvania Farmer =attacks Townshend Duties-influential adding to claim Parliament didn’t have right tax colonist’s w/t consent + argued by suspending the NY assembly Brit was attacking colonial liberty
- could be argued political concepts affected only educated people but literacy rates + education were higher in colonial America than BR with some nine colleges and universities by the 1760s. when his article appeared in most colonial newspapers had a wider audience
- . Such writings also provided theoretical justification for many of the actions taken by men such as Samuel Adams, as well as encouraging other writers to launch attacks on the power of the British executive.

Question 28

Thomas Jefferson 1743-1826

Answer 28

• Jefferson -son of a rich Virginian planter +principal author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
• 1774, published A Summary View of the Rights of British America- moving many towards independence -Jefferson argued Brit parliament can’t exercise authority on colonies.
• critical of the fact that the electorate in England, which was at best 160,000 strong, should legislate for America.logical development of this was American independence, which was starting to gain support and was increasingly seen in a number of pamphlets published in 1774.
• It appeared that works such as this were a clear indication that opinion in America had begun to change and that some at last were willing to sever their ties with Britain.

Question 29

John Adam’s 1735-1826

Answer 29

• John Adams, a Boston lawyer, was the cousin of Samuel Adams
• acted as legal defence for the Brit soldiers
• at the Continental Congress, as representative of Massachusetts, that he became more widely known
• As a radical he played a leading role in persuading Congress to declare independence.

Question 30

Thomas Paine 1737-1809

Answer 30

• Paine was an English radical, who arrived in America in 1774. It was his pamphlet Common Sense, published in 1776 had greatest impact, sold 100,000 copies – some said it had greater influence than any pamphlet in 1770
• Paine had attacked the English constitution pamphlet idea of hereditary monarchy and privilege.
• This convinced many Americans, who feared breaking ties with Britain, that it was only way to stop abuse of liberty
• Paine encourage Americans to establish a republic.

Question 31

How important BR policies in outbreak of unrest

Answer 31

Summary: The Impact of British Policies on the Outbreak of Unrest Leading to the American Revolution

•	Change in British Policy Post-1763: After the Seven Years’ War, Britain shifted from a policy of “salutary neglect” to tighter control over the colonies to recoup war costs and prevent future conflicts, particularly with Native Americans. This shift angered colonists who had previously enjoyed autonomy.
•	Taxation and Control: Britain’s attempts to extract revenue from the colonies through measures like the Proclamation Line (1763), Stamp Act, and Tea Act (1773) were seen as efforts to impose control, sparking fear and resentment among colonists who viewed these policies as attacks on their liberties.
•	Colonial Resistance and British Retreat: The colonial backlash to taxes like the Stamp Act and Townshend Duties led Britain to retreat on some policies, weakening its authority. Attempts at a firmer approach under Lord North failed due to limited military resources, as Britain could not enforce policies effectively without a significant increase in troops and funding.
•	Economic and Political Misunderstandings: British ministers aimed to uphold Parliament’s supremacy and the economic benefits of retaining the colonies, but they underestimated the colonial response. Colonists exaggerated claims of lost liberties, fueled by fears of enslavement and conspiracy, which were not entirely justified by British actions.
•	Role of Propaganda and Radical Leaders: Figures like Samuel Adams used propaganda and extra-legal tactics to inflame tensions, portraying British policies as tyrannical. The colonists’ reaction was surprising to Britain, given that many taxes were relatively light, and colonists benefited economically from the British Empire.
•	Misinterpretations on Both Sides: While British policies did contribute to unrest, misunderstandings and colonial propaganda led to distorted perceptions. Colonists believed they were being oppressed, while the British did not anticipate their actions would provoke such strong reactions, ultimately leading to revolution.