We all know the catch-phrase of the American Revolution: "No Taxation Without Representation!" I remember watching School House Rock in 6th grade and hearing this phrase over and over again. My impression then was that most of the colonists were fed up with how Britain was handling the colonies. They shouldn't have to be taxed for things like tea if they can't even vote and participate in the government that's making these decisions.
Reading "Unruly Americans" by Woody Holten made me think differently. Sure many colonists were miffed about taxes. But the "Founding Fathers", those who had the most influence on the British government and society at that time, had other reasons as well for becoming an independent nation. The British government drew the Proclamation Line, which represented the boundary that colonists couldn't pass or settle past. This was mostly a safety and economic issue, since the Native Americans could rebel against the colonists if they came too close to their land or flat out conquered it. Having this boundary meant that the colonists couldn't expand indefinitely or increase their wealth.
Wealthy colonists suggested getting free grants from the British government to buy and then sell or rent new land, and thus make more money. In the Declaration of Independence there is only one mention of taxation and three statements about acquiring more land. Whie common people didn't want the burden of taxes, the wealthy had other motives for rebellion.
Karin,
ReplyDeleteIs it possible that various groups of people were willing to collaborate in a revolution although they were motivated by distinct concerns? If so, does that make for a stronger or a weaker movement?
LDL