Why Was There a Revolution in America in 1776?

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Why was there a revolution in America in 1776? 28/11/2011 The reasons for the American Revolution are many and varied. This essay shall examine the development of the colonies from a loyal subject to an independent and free thinking nation. Also it shall assess the factors contributing to the growing sense of identity in the colonies. It will review the impact of the British economic policy and their various tax laws. This essay will look at the effect of immigration to the colonies. Furthermore it will look at the impact of foreign influences on the founding fathers of the revolution. The developing awareness of American identity may have contributed to the rebellion in the thirteen American colonies. The early colonists had an emotional and cultural identification to England. Loyalty to the crown and to all things English was in their blood. They named their towns with English names. They had brought with them the common law. Children were given English names. England was the mother country and the early colonists like a good child loved their mother faithfully. With each new generation came a different sense of identity and a new matriarch began to be revered. This new American identity was embraced throughout the thirteen colonies. Back in the mother country children were viewed as another mouth to be feed. One more heir to add to an already overburdened list. They might be another pair of working hands when old enough. Then again they might be female and suitors would have to be found and dowries would be needed. In the colonies a child’s destiny was different. With land readily available all children were an asset to every family. Hard work awaited them but so too did a good diet and a healthy outdoor life in a rewarding climate. Land to own and work was a reality and poverty of the type seen in Britain was as far away as the
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