Changes

Let's stop for a moment to review the causes of the revolution.  British oppression was not the only catalyst of the Revolutionary War, and many factors played a role:   

Let's stop for a moment to review the causes of the revolution.  British oppression was not the only catalyst of the Revolutionary War, and many factors played a role:   

 

(1) Colonists were accustomed to much independence and self-determination, and Tory efforts to regulate and tax were bitterly opposed by the Colonies (and by Whigs in England).

(1) Colonists were accustomed to much independence and self-determination, and Tory efforts to regulate and tax were bitterly opposed by the Colonies (and by Whigs in England)

(2) British burdens hurt nearly all Colonists in all walks of life

(2) British burdens hurt nearly all Colonists in all walks of life. <br><br>

(3) taxes hit at a bad time: postwar depression.

(3) Taxes hit at a bad time: postwar depression.<br><br>

(4) legally, colonies disagreed with “virtual representation”

(4) Legally, colonies disagreed with “virtual representation”. <br><br>

(5) religious reasons: many colonists disliked Anglicans (and Catholics), and feared England would install an Anglican bishop

(5) Religious reasons: many colonists disliked Anglicans (and Catholics), and feared England would install an Anglican bishop. <br><br>

(6) colonists disliked English class distinctions

(6) Colonists disliked English class distinctions. <br><br>

(7) 1/3 of colonists were not even English, and thus felt no attachment to the British.

(7) 1/3 of colonists were not even English, and thus felt no attachment to the British.<br><br>

(8) Colonists accepted John Locke’s philosophy of natural rights and a social contract.  

(8) Colonists accepted John Locke’s philosophy of natural rights and a social contract. <br><br>

(9) Colonists saw a bright prospect for their future.   

(9) Colonists saw a bright prospect for their future.<br><br>  

Independence was inevitable, as with other British colonies, but came quicker than for most.  

Independence was inevitable, as with other British colonies, but came quicker than for most.