Background
To gain a further understanding of the Declaration of Independence, we will look at the idea of mercantilism along with some of the events and actions that led to open rebellion.
- Mercantilism
This was the idea that colonies existed for the benefit of the Mother Country. The American colonists could be compared to tenants who were expected to 'pay rent', i.e., provide materials for export to Britain. Britain's goal was to have a greater number of exports than imports allowing them to store up wealth in the form of bullion. According to mercantilism, the wealth of the world was fixed. To increase wealth a country had two options: explore or make war. By colonizing America, Britain greatly increased its base of wealth. This idea of a fixed amount of wealth was the target of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations(1776). Smith's work had a profound effect on the American founding fathers and the nation's economic system. - The French and Indian War
This war between Britain and France lasted from 1754-1763. The victorious British ended deeply in debt and demanded more revenue from the colonies. With the defeat of the French, the colonies became less dependant on Britain for protection. - Royal Proclamation of 1763
This prohibited settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains. While Britain did not intend this to harm the colonists, many colonists took offense at this order. - Sugar Act of 1764
This act passed to raise revenue by increasing duties on foreign sugar imported from the West Indies. - Currency Act of 1764
Parliament argued that the numerous paper currency that had been issued in America had caused a devaluation harmful to British trade. They ordered that no American assembly would be allowed to issue paper bills or bills of credit. - Quartering Act of 1765
Britain ordered that colonists were to house and feed British soldiers if necessary. - Stamp Act
This required tax stamps on many different trade items and documents including playing cards, legal papers, newspapers and marriage licenses. Prime Minister George Grenville stated that this direct tax was intended for the colonies to pay for defense. Previous taxes imposed by Britain had been indirect, or hidden. - Stamp Act Congress
In 1765, 27 delegates from nine colonies met in New York City and drew up a statement of rights and grievances thereby bringing colonies together in opposition to Britain. - Sons and Daughters of Liberty
Colonists tried to fight back by imposing non-importation agreements. The Sons of Liberty often took the law into their own hands enforcing these 'agreements' by methods such as tar and feathering. - Townshend Acts (1767)
These taxes were imposed to help make the colonial officials independent of the colonists and included duties on glass, paper and tea. Smugglers increased their activities to avoid the tax leading to more troops in Boston. - Boston Massacre
The colonists and British soldiers openly clashed on Boston green. This event was used by the colonists as an example of British cruelty despite questions about how it actually occurred. - Committees of CorrespondenceOrganized by Samuel Adams, these helped spread propaganda and information through letters.
- Tea Act of 1773
To assist the failing British East India Company, the Company was given a monopoly to trade tea in America. - Boston Tea Party
A group of colonists disguised as Indians dumped the tea overboard from three tea ships in Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773. - Intolerable Acts(1774)
The Intolerable Acts were passed in response to the Boston Tea Party and placed numerous restrictions on the colonists including outlawing town meetings and the closing of Boston Harbor. - First Continental Congress
In response to the Intolerable Acts, 12 of the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia from September-October, 1774. One of the main results of this was the creation of The Association calling for a boycott of British goods. - Lexington and Concord
In April, 1775, British troops were ordered to Lexington and Concord to seize stores of colonial gunpowder and to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock. At Lexington, open conflict occurred and eight Americans were killed. At Concord, the British troops were forced to retreat with the loss of 70 men. This was the first event of open warfare. - Second Continental Congress
All 13 colonies were represented at this meeting in Philadelphia beginning May, 1775. The colonists still hoped that their grievances would be met by King George III. George Washington was named head of the Continental Army. - Bunker HillThis major victory for the Colonists resulted in George III proclaiming the colonies in rebellion.
- Hessian MercenariesGeorge III hired thousands of German troops after the Battle of Bunker Hill.
- Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"
Thomas Paine wrote one of the most influential pamphlets ever. Up until then, the colonists had been fighting Britain with the hope of reconciling their differences. Paine argued that America should control itself and become independent.
