Paper 1 In Your Opinion: Answer One Of The Following Questio

Paper 1inyouropinion Answeroneof The Following Questions Using The P

Paper 1 In YOUR opinion, answer one of the following questions, using the pages assigned from the textbook (The American Journey, Combined Volume, 8th Edition), and documents available through the Internet Modern History Sourcebook ( ). How did the colonists justify their actions before and during the American Revolution? EXPLAIN You must include at least 2 direct primary source quotations/evaluations of primary source material. All papers must be between 3-4 They must also conform to the following: Proper Grammar and Sentence Structure No colloquialisms (things that sound like spoken language) or contractions Include a clearly defined thesis statement One sentence that explains what you are going to discuss, and why.

Paper For Above instruction

The American Revolution was a pivotal event in American history, marked not only by military conflict but also by complex ideological justifications by the colonists for their actions against British rule. Understanding how the colonists justified their rebellion requires examining both the political philosophy of the time and the primary sources that capture their sentiments. This essay explores the main reasons colonists provided for their actions before and during the revolution, emphasizing the influence of Enlightenment ideas, perceived violations of rights, and their claims of legitimacy based on British misconduct. These justifications established the moral and political foundations for the revolutionary movement and continue to influence American political thought today.

One of the primary ways colonists justified their actions was by appealing to natural rights and the principles of liberty. Enlightenment philosophy heavily influenced their worldview, emphasizing individual rights and the idea that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed. A notable primary source illustrating this perspective is the Declaration of Independence, authored largely by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson articulated that "to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This statement encapsulates the colonists' belief that political authority must be based on the consent of those it governs, and that when a government becomes destructive of these rights, the people have the right to revolution (Jefferson, 1776).

Furthermore, colonists justified their rebellion by condemning British actions they viewed as violations of their natural rights and constitutional liberties. For example, the colonists objected to taxation without representation, which they saw as an unjust infringement on their rights as British subjects. The primary source known as the "Petition of Right" of 1774 articulates their grievances against oppressive policies, asserting that "the Tyranny of the Parliament and the oppressive Statutes are destructive of our liberties." This document underscores their stance that British legislation, enacted without their consent, was illegal and illegitimate, thus warranting resistance (Sourcebook, 1774).

Moreover, colonists justified their actions through the concept of self-governance and the right to impose their own laws. They perceived their resistance as a defense of their liberty and sovereignty, which had been compromised by British interference. The pamphlet "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine played a significant role in shaping public opinion by arguing that "the colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." Paine emphasized the inherent right of the colonies to self-rule and condemned monarchical control, reinforcing the colonists’ belief that their actions were justified steps towards independence (Paine, 1776).

Primary sources such as Jefferson’s Declaration and Paine’s "Common Sense" exemplify the ideological underpinnings of colonist justifications. These documents reflect the colonists' conviction that their resistance was not only justified but also a moral obligation to preserve their rights and liberty. Evaluating these sources reveals that their claims rested on a foundation of Enlightenment principles, perceived violations by Britain, and a commitment to self-determination. Their articulated justifications provided moral legitimacy to their rebellion and fostered unity among the colonies in pursuit of independence.

In conclusion, the colonists justified their actions before and during the American Revolution through a combination of Enlightenment-inspired ideas, grievances over British violations of their rights, and the assertion of their right to self-governance. Through primary sources like the Declaration of Independence and "Common Sense," the colonists articulated compelling reasons for resisting British authority, framing their rebellion as a legitimate fight for liberty and justice. These justifications laid the intellectual and moral groundwork for the creation of the United States of America and continue to resonate in the nation’s foundational ideals.

References

• Jefferson, T. (1776). Declaration of Independence. National Archives.
• Paine, T. (1776). Common Sense. Pennsylvania: Philadelphia.
• Britain, Parliament. (1774). Petition of Right. Modern History Sourcebook.
• Wood, G. S. (1992). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage Books.
• Bernstein, R. J. (2010). The Philosophy of the American Revolution. Harvard University Press.
• Maier, P. (1972). From Resistance to Revolution. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Shapiro, I. (2004). The State of the Democratic Revolution. Princeton University Press.
• Gordon, M. (2000). The Adams-Jefferson Letters. Harvard University Press.
• Wood, G. (1998). The American Revolution: A History. Modern Library.
• Paludan, J. (1999). The American Revolution: A Constitutional Interpretation. HarperCollins.