Signature Essay February 17, 2020 Tomi Nerhu History 1301

Signature Essayfebruary 17 2020tomi Nerhushistory 1301 700 Us Histor

Analyze the causes and effects of the American colonies' pursuit of independence from Britain in the 18th century. Discuss how the colonists sought education, political independence, and economic growth, and how these efforts contributed to their rebellion against British rule. Include references to primary sources such as George R. T. Hewes's account of the Boston Tea Party, Thomas Pains's call for independence, and the Declaration of Independence. Also incorporate secondary sources like "The American Yawp" to contextualize these events and explain the significance of these strategies in establishing American independence.

Paper For Above instruction

The struggle for American independence in the 18th century was driven by a combination of economic, political, and ideological factors. The colonists' desire to be free from British control was rooted in systemic grievances such as taxation without representation, trade restrictions, and the overarching need for self-governance. This complex interplay of causes spurred the colonists to seek ways to assert their independence through various means, including education, political organization, and economic self-sufficiency.

One of the early pivotal steps was the emphasis on education and enlightenment ideals. Influential thinkers like John Locke profoundly impacted colonial thought, particularly through Locke’s "Essay Concerning Human Understanding," which argued that the human mind was a "tabula rasa" or blank slate shaped by environment. This philosophical perspective empowered colonists to believe in the capacity for self-improvement and the importance of cultivating knowledge as a pathway to independence. Educated colonists understood that access to information and learning resources was crucial for organizing resistance and establishing a governing philosophy separate from British rule.

In addition to educational pursuits, colonial leaders recognized the importance of creating political institutions that reflected their aspirations for autonomy. Samuel Adams, a prominent Patriot, advocated for the development of "separate body politics," which he communicated through the Boston Gazette. Such publications galvanized public opinion and fostered a collective identity rooted in resistance. The formation of local Committees of Correspondence and provincial assemblies provided the infrastructure for coordinated action against British policies, like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts. These institutions created a sense of unity and legitimacy for rebellion, distancing the colonies from colonial administrators in London.

Economically, the colonists sought to build their own wealth through trade and manufacturing, reducing dependence on Britain. They aimed to stimulate economic growth by fostering local industries, which would enable them to sustain themselves independently and challenge British mercantilist policies. The Boston Tea Party exemplifies this economic defiance, as colonists protested taxation by destroying imported British tea, symbolizing their refusal to accept economic restrictions. These acts of economic rebellion further nurtured an attitude of independence, showing that economic sovereignty was as vital as political sovereignty.

The primary sources, including George R. T. Hewes’s 1834 account of the Boston Tea Party, Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" (1776), and the Declaration of Independence (1776), illustrate the rhetorical strength and ideological underpinning of the colonial cause. Hewes’s narrative captures the spirit of defiance, while Paine's pamphlet articulates the moral and practical justifications for independence, emphasizing the need for self-rule and the dangers of monarchical tyranny. The Declaration of Independence formalized these ideas, asserting unalienable rights and the colonies’ right to self-determination.

Secondary scholarship like "The American Yawp" contextualizes these events within broader social and economic frameworks. It highlights that colonial efforts to educate themselves, create political frameworks, and develop economic independence were interconnected strategies that ultimately culminated in revolution. The colonists’ ability to organize and articulate their grievances was pivotal in uniting disparate colonies into a common cause against British imperialism. The combination of these efforts fostered a resilient movement that not only sought to resist British policies but aimed to establish a new nation founded on Enlightenment principles.

In conclusion, the American quest for independence was a multifaceted movement driven by the colonists’ pursuit of education, political organization, and economic self-reliance. These strategies reinforced each other, creating a unified front capable of challenging British authority. The primary sources underscore the ideological resolve behind independence, while secondary sources contextualize how these efforts contributed to the emergence of a new nation rooted in liberty and self-governance.

References

• Hewes, G. R. T. (1834). A Retrospect of the Boston Tea-Party.
• Paine, T. (1776). Common Sense.
• The American Yawp. (Publication Year). [Details of publisher].
• Declaration of Independence. (1776). National Archives.
• Wood, G. S. (1992). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage Books.
• Ellis, J. J. (2000). Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. Knopf.
• Zinn, H. (2003). A People's History of the United States. Harper Perennial.
• Maier, P. (2010). American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. Knopf.
• Wood, G. S. (2012). The American Revolution: A History. Modern Library.
• Foner, E. (2017). Give Me Liberty! An American History. W. W. Norton & Company.