Module 7 reflection: The Revolutionary War

                No single event caused the revolution. I think multiple events led to the war . It began as a disagreement over the way Great Britain governed the colonies and the way the colonies thought they should be treated. The Americans felt they deserved all the rights of Englishmen. The British thought that the colonies were created to be used in ways that best suited the Crown and Parliament. Even though the British believed in mercantilism Prime Minister Robert Walpole espoused a view of "salutary neglect." This system was in place from 1607 through 1763, the British were slack on enforcement of external trade relations. Walpole believed this enhanced freedom and would help boost commerce. The French and Indian War led to economic trouble for the British government. The cost was significant, and the British were determined to make up for the lack of funds. They levied new taxes on the colonists and increased trade regulations. New taxes like the Sugar Act and the currency act were enforced in 1764. The Sugar Act increased taxes on molasses and restricted certain export goods to Britain. The Currency Act prohibited the printing of money in the colonies, making businesses rely more on the British economy. Feeling underrepresented, overtaxed, and unable to engage in free trade, the colonists rallied to the slogan, "No Taxation Without Representation." This discontent became very apparent in 1773 with the events that later became known as the Boston tea party. The British government's presence also became more visible in the years leading to the revolution. British officials and soldiers were given more control over the colonists and this led to problems. The "Writs of Assistance." were general search warrants that gave British soldiers the right to search and seize any property they deemed to be smuggled or illegal goods. Many of them abused this power. I think all of these events are what led up to the revolutionary war.





The Revolutionary War


https://www.ducksters.com/history/american_revolution/causes_revolutionary_war.php

https://www.history.com/news/american-revolution-causes