Kayla Brooks DR. Medley HIST 2111 February 20, 2022 Unit 3 Essay Assignment The relationship between the American colonists and the British government was rocky and unstable from the moment the colonists decided to create lives for themselves on the Atlantic coast of America, as the colonists craved complete freedom from the rules and taxes given by the British. There are many reasons why supporters and opponents to American Independence had differing views, in which some believed that Americans needed freedom completely and that taxing was wrong. In contrast, others claimed America would not be what it is today without discipline and structure from Great Britain. Finally, however, the traumatic events between the British and American colonists led to a full-blown war, as taxation without representation was no longer an option for the colonists. Supporters of American independence did not want America to be taxed by the British anymore. Jenyns explains that opponents to American independence still use words such as freedom, liberty, and property but only say these things to entice Americans into thinking they are free when they are indeed not. The British wanted to tax the American colonies to still hold rule over them and get their money back from the French Indian War. Their legislation should rule each colony in America, and if this were given up, Jenyns feared that all rights would have been lost and the Americans would become slaves to taxation. To be labeled as free from taxation on the condition of the Great Britain government is not free at all because American freedom would then be contingent on the authority and power of another government entity. In comparison, Otis writes that all people are entitled to natural and inherent rights given to them by God, law, and nature but should be under the rule of the British Parliament. Giving people freedoms would benefit both the colonists and Great Britain because both interests would be heard and respected (Otis). Otis claimed that Englishmen are given representation and consent to taxing. At the same time, Jenyns explains this is simply not true because many do not have the option to choose representation and are taxed regardless of their consent or not (Jenyns ). It is claimed that the colonists would need assistance in setting up their legislative sectors because they are so new, so having British influence would help as a guide to that establishment. Taxing the colonists was viewed as being a conflicting endeavor because it led to a man being deprived of their liberties and freedoms by becoming a slave to the government in terms of money. Many events occurred between the American colonists and the British government due to growing tensions and disagreements regarding colonists' freedoms. One event that occurred frequently was the practice of tarring and feathering, which was a humiliating action done to people who did wrongdoing in society. British officials and military would strip people down and throw hot tar on their bodies, followed by feathers as a form of power, claiming Britain was in charge. The image picturing this event shows multiple British soldiers dousing an American colonist in tar and feathers for purchasing a musket from a British soldier. The image is significant in the sense that the tree in the background is labeled as a “liberty tree,” yet the American colonists felt anything but free because of the British acts, taxes, and laws. Another event that occurred was the Boston Massacre, which was an event that changed the relationship between Britain and America forever. The shot fired was an accident but led to many bullets and deaths of many Americans and British soldiers. This made tensions between the American colonists and British Parliament more severe. The last event that acted as the final straw for angry American colonists was the Stamp Act. All papers, including legal documents, and even deck cards, had to have a stamp to prove tax was paid. The money went to the British government, which benefitted from the enormous war debt they had accumulated. The colonists were angered by paying collectors, something they did not appreciate or want (Bradford). As already mentioned, the events that took place, depicted through the three images, escalated the conflict and increased tensions between America and Britain. After the Stamp Act was enacted, the Americans fought back, which eventually was repealed. However, the Tea Act was later enacted in 1773 by the British, leading American colonists over the edge. They were tired of being taxed multiple times from Britain and refused to pay the taxes. Instead, they dumped hundreds of gallons of tea into Boston Harbor. These acts and events led to rising tensions and conflict between American colonists and Britain, sparking the American Revolutionary War. It is important to note that the British tried to keep American colonists from acting out by setting laws and regulations. They feared that the colonists would not make it independently without support from Great Britain. However, the colonists wanted the freedom they deserved and did not want any part of the British Parliament standing in their way and taxing them for everything. In conclusion, many events occurred that raised tensions between the American colonists and the British government in which the Revolutionary War came to be. The colonist had grown tired of the British constantly taxing them and taking their money in any form they could while claiming they were giving American colonists the freedom, they inherently deserved. Some of the events that led to rising tensions included the Boston Massacre, tarring and feathering of colonists for not following British rule, and the stamp act. Many supporting and opposing remarks as to why or why not Americans should be given their independence were stated but led to America finding and keeping its freedom from Britain once and for all. Works Cited Fig 3. Bradford, William. “This is the Place to Affix a Stamp.” Library of Congress Microform Reading Room, Washington D.C. 1765. Accessed February 20, 2022, from https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2004672606/ Jenyns, Soame. “The Objections to the Taxation of our American Colonies by the Legislature of Great Britain, Briefly Considered.” 1765. Accessed February 20, 2022, from http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/documents/1751-1775/soame-jenyns-theobjections-to-the-taxation-considerd-1765.php Otis, James. “The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved.” Liberty Fund. 1764. Accessed February 20, 2022, from https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/1763otis-rights-of-british-colonies-asserted-pamphlet
