American Revolution

A revolution is a sudden, radical, or complete change, by the Merriam- Webster Dictionary definition. Did the American Revolution bring about this change? Many historians would say that it did, however, there is much evidence supporting the opposing view. There are a few revolutionary moments during this time Contrary to popular belief, the American Revolution overall was not very revolutionary including the reasons for Independence, the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, The Constitution, and the status of African Americans.

The reasons for American independence started with the early English settlers. The majority came for religious and political freedom and already did not like English laws. The settlers were rebellious in spirit and wanted to start a new life. Over the next few decades the colonies formed their own government. In 1754, war broke out in Europe between England and France. It was called the French and Indian War by the colonies because the English were fighting the French and their Native American allies, the Huron. The two countries were fighting for control of North America. The French and Indian War was a long, brutal war and when it ended England was in debt. Because the war was fought over control of North America, King George III decided to tax the colonists. The colonies hated this taxation. Taxation was a major cause of the War for Independence in America. The earliest cause of the War for Independence was the Domination of New England, in which King George tried to control colonial legislatures. King George was afraid that New England was becoming too powerful. Next, the Proclamation of 1763 set all lands west of the Appalachians off limits to colonists. The colonists hated this because they were already farming in the lands west of the Appalachians. In 1764, the Sugar Act taxed all sugar products from Great Britain. The colonists thought this was unfair. Then, in 1765, the Quartering and Stamp Acts were enacted. The Quartering Act forced colonists to house British soldiers. The Stamp Act put a tax on all of the legal documents including newspapers, pamphlets, passports, etc. The Stamp Act Congress was formed by the colonists to remove the Stamp Act. In 1766, the Declaratory Act stated that England could tax the colonies whenever it wanted. In 1767, the Townshend Acts imposed a tax on every day goods imported from Britain. The colonists were so mad they boycotted British goods. The colonists protested in Boston demanding England