Did The Americans Deserve The Revolutionary War

In 1775, America was under the control of Great Britain. Many people were oblivious to the fact that we were under control, while other people thought it was time to break free and gain independence. Among these people was Patrick Henry, who was a huge advocate for colonial independence. In his speech at the Virginia convention, Patrick Henry argues to forcefully persuade the audience to go to war with Great Britain and pushes for the use of military action by using figurative language, rhetorical devices, and organization, and by confronting them with their current position of danger in the face of the inevitable British invasion.

While Americans’ criticism was arising, a serious conflict happened on March 5, 1770, among “patriot” mobs, throwing stones, and the British soldiers. Some settlers were killed that time and it led to a campaign that America should be independent from the English. In the fall of 1770, British Captain Thomas Preston and eight of his regulars were tried for the alleged murder of five Boston colonials. At the conclusion of

1776 marked a significant year in American history. That was the year in which the U.S. declared its independence from its fathering nation, Britain. Britain did not just give America the freedom, America fought for their freedom. American broke away for numerous reasons. This paper will explain why the colonists broke away and whether or not their reasons for waging war and breaking justified.

For starters, the American Revolution was waged as a war of last resort because the colonists could not execute any more plans to make truce with Britain peacefully. The principle of last resort states that a war can only be waged after all the peaceful options are considered and force must be conducted as the last alternative. In the “Olive Branch Petition”, John Dickinson, a representative of the colonists wrote: “We therefore beseech your Majesty, that your royal authority and influence may be graciously interposed to procure us relief from our afflicting fears and jealousies, occasioned by the system before-mentioned, and to settle peace through every part of our Dominions, with all humility submitting to your Majesty’s wise consideration, whether it may not be expedient, for facilitating those important purposes, that your Majesty be pleased to direct some mode, by which the united applications of your faithful Colonists to the Throne, in pursuance of their common counsels, may be improved into a happy and permanent reconciliation; and that, in the mean time, measures may be taken for preventing the further destruction of the lives of your Majesty’s subjects; and that such statutes as more immediately distress any of your Majesty’s Colonies may be repealed.” (Dickinson, John). As inscribed in the “Olive Branch Petition” the colonists’ will was not to detach from Great Britain but to maintain union and peace.

As the colonies sought to break free from British rule and establish an independent nation, the American Revolution was an important turning point in history. However, not all colonists held the same viewpoint on this issue. Loyalists and Patriots emerged as two separate groups with opposing perspectives on American independence from British rule. The opposing views of Loyalists and Patriots on American independence from Great Britain can be analyzed through the perspectives of loyalty to the crown, economic interests, political rights and representation, and social and cultural identity, revealing the complex issues and motivations behind each group's position during the American Revolution. Loyalists, also known as Tories, were strong advocates of the British Crown.

“the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves, and the House? Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not”(Henry) Fueled by their utter disdain toward the British house the colonist are getting the idea. For too long they have laid on the floor and watched as the enemy took over their homes. Patrick henry gained the trust of over a thousand colonists with a speech that led these people to a war, there is no preventing conflict even those who try to ignore their problems will only amplify if they aren't dealt with in time.

Another work of literature, showing the incredible amount of influence of religion in American society, specifically puritanism, would be Arthur Miller’s book The Crucible. The Crucible is situated in the Massachusetts town of Salem in 1692. Known for its extreme puritanism and witch trials, the town of Salem in the story revolves around Reverend Parris, the minister of the town church. When Parris’ daughter Betty and niece Abigail are found dancing in the forest with Tituba, the slave of Parris, rumors that the girls were practicing witchcraft spreads through the town, although the girls state that they were just dancing. T new, horrifying event shakes up the town and a new character enters the story, Reverend Hale, the investigator of witchcraft.

Henry, in agreement to Paine, also expresses that the King has reached a point where he does not care of the colonists and treats them as inferior, Henry is hinting at the point that Britain is just hurting the colonists (Henry). Not only does he express this he concludes with this quote: “Why stand we here idle?... Give me liberty or give me death” (Henry). Paine and Henry and Paine both suggest that a revolution should commence due to the pain inflicted and subordination inflicted. Why should the colonists not

The American Revolution was a major conflict in the new world in which people fought for self-government, constitutional rights and independence from the British. Throughout the revolution, the 13 colonies that existed in that period were able to change their social, political and ideology approaches. However, the American colonists began to feel betrayed by the English government based on the multiple acts that were passed during the revolution. In order to comprehend why colonists were taking sides, we have to look back at the events that lead to their current beliefs. After their victory in the seven years war, the British government had to pay back a huge war debt.

Because of the great amount of power Britain possessed, the colonists were under oppression, ultimately taking action to defend themselves. Namely, according to document 5, the author states, “what is to defend us against so enormous, so unlimited power?”. As the taxes began to mound on top of one over the other, the colonists began to feel overwhelmed. In response, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and three others, created the Declaration of Independence as a call to war, to offset British rule. Like the Stamp Act, the colonists answered with violence, and the violence only increased as the British made sure to oppress the

The British government was not looking for the best of the people. They were only thinking about what they wanted; the government was not interested in what the people wanted so they decided to make decisions on their own, which resulted in changes that form the United States today. Because of this, they were justified in rebelling and declaring independence. One reason why the colonists decided to rebel and declare independence was because of taxation.

The year was 1775, tensions between America and Great Britain had reached a new high, but people still weren’t convinced that a revolutionary war was the right answer. Patrick Henry had delivered one of the most

One of the earliest well-known opponents of Great Britain was Patrick Henry. Throughout his life he gave many speeches supporting the American Government, ultimately making a name for himself. During a time of uncertainty for the colonists in 1775, Henry still supported his opinions on American Democracy. In his opinion, the only choice left was to go to war with Great Britain. In order to gain the colonist's approval, he issued a marvelous speech persuading the colonists to go to war.

“The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind” (Paine 1). With the Revolutionary War beginning in 1775, and the publication of Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, only a year later, this statement was widely recognized and addressed the issue at hand: the fight for independence. According to Paine’s assertion, America’s desire for peace and freedom is a basic necessity of life; it is what all men desire. Despite this innate thirst for liberty, many residents of America’s thirteen colonies were fearful of Great Britain, and because of this fear, complied with Great Britain’s every whim. Consequently, most colonists were hesitant to fight against the mother country for independence.

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”-Patrick Henry 1736-1799. Patrick Henry was one of the twelve delegates in the first Continental Congress and he was in the dispute of Independence! Six out of twelve of the colonies were against independence, whereas the other six colonies were for it.