By the early 1700’s most colonist were reasonably content. Though there were problems between the various colonies. Mostly this was due to the three different sects created by the crown. Colonies that were completely controlled by the crown were envious to the freedoms that were enjoyed by the other two sects. These Problems however were reasonably minor in comparison to what was to come.
In 1733 the first major tariff or import tax with the Molasses act passed by Parliament that was imposed on the Colonies. This was proceeded by a series of additional taxes that led up to resentment. Though these tariffs were instituted some time before our colonies would rise up against Britain.
During this Period the British were involved in a series of wars against the Spain and France. The French and Indian war also played a role in increasing tensions between the Colonies. The last straw came with the Sugar tax of 1764 that increased taxes on a number of imported goods like sugar, coffee and textiles along with many other imported goods.
The Colonist who had willingly paid taxes were feeling they were not only being controlled by the British, they also felt they deserved some representation in Parliament before any other taxes were imposed.
The Currency act of 1764 along with the stamp act of 1755 not only threatened the stability of the Colonial economy but up until the stamp act, all taxes had been collected through product imports. The stamp act was the first direct tax to be imposed to the Colonists.
Beginning in 1768 the British began to force the Colonist into complying with British Control. Boston Harbor was blockaded along with Narragansett Bay and New York Harbor. Uprisings began to spring up within all thirteen Colonies as more and more Colonist joined in with the Sons of Liberty. While others remained Loyal to the crown.
The more sanctions and troops that were shipped in, the more the Colonist resisted. This led up to the Boston Massacre. By then there was no turning back. In 1774 the Sons of Liberty had gained support of the majority of Colonists.
In May 1774 in a last ditch effort to regain control over the Colonies declares that all charters would be revoked, placing all control over the Colonies as the crown brings more troops in to enforce this new ruling.
In response Continental Congress orders all colonies not to comply, thus marking the beginning of the Revolution. Due to the number of uprisings and Battles against the British I have elected to provide an overview of how through a series of events would eventually lead up to the Succession from the Crown.
The first American flag was raised on January first 1776 as troops under the command of General George Washington ordered the flag to be raised on top of Prospect Hill just outside of Boston. The Flag had thirteen alternating Red and White Stripes with a navy blue square placed on the upper left hand corner of the flag. With the British Union Jack displayed in the middle of the Blue Square.
By this time everyone knew that succession was about to take place. By June Continental Congress agreed to succeed. With the official signing by representatives of all 13 colonies were complete on July 4th 1776.
It would take another 8 years before we would win our independence. In 1783 the Dutch would be the first to recognize the United States of America as a separate Nation. The following year the British Withdrew troops ending the Revolutionary war.
This would not mark the end of hostilities, for in 1812 we would once again be at war with the British. This war would last a little over two years and would mark the end of hostilities between the two nations.
Tomorrow on Saturday Symposium I will be reading the Declaration of independence and will discuss what happened to those who signed it and the war that followed. This ends our Road to independence. Thanks all of your for reading my three part series and I wish all of you a very happy Fourth of July.
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