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Why United States waged war with Britain
Between the years of 1763 and 1776, the worsening relations between the colonies and Great Britain were illustrated by the views colonists had towards the British Parliament and King George III. One of the first in a series of direct and immediate events within these years, which eventually destroyed the relationship, was the Stamp Act. The British need to completely control the colonies united the rebellious forces in America and strengthened them. The King’s actions, along with Parliament’s, proved to be the last straw in the relationship between Great Britain and the American Colonies. The colonists resented unlimited Parliament power and their authority to levy taxes to raise revenue. The conflicts with England and their acts of social tyranny justified American colonists in waging war and breaking away from England.
The colonists resented that Parliament was imposing laws that levied duties not for regulation of trade, but for the single purpose of raising revenues. One example of this was the Stamp Act, which was passed to fund new military forces in America. John Dickinson, a Pennsylvania political leader, stated that, “… till the Stamp Act … raising of revenue was never intended.” This biased statement proved that Dickinson supported the colonies and showed that he was firm in his beliefs. He was also a trusted leader because of his involvement in Colonial government. His views were showed in an article he wrote that stated, “… late act of Parliament … destructive to the liberty of these colonies.” This statement also shows that he considered, after much thought, that this act was unconstitutional. Dickinson’s actions and writings showed that many colonists were right to have condemned the British treatment of them.
Since the British entitled themselves with unlimited powers to control and tax the colonies, many Americans believed the power would be cruelly used. The Second Continental Congress on July 5, 1775, issued the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms. This document explains in the thoughts of the colonists by stating, “We are reduced … alternate … unconditional submission … or resistance by force.” The colonists could not help but be biased in their opinion because of the actions of the British. The British forces marching on Lexington and Concord had proved to be the catalyst that had started the war in April. The British determination to make laws to have absolute control over the colonies set the tone for the acceptance of the Second Continental Congress. Because of the tyrannical power of the British, Jefferson, Dickinson, and many Americans believed this action necessary to achieve their objective.
Were the colonists justified in waging war and breaking away from Britain?
Many men from different walk of life tried to believe that the conflict with England could be settled peaceably, but many did not. One of these men was Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense, a pamphlet published in January [next page]