Dbq_1998

Colton Pate DBQ 1999 As the colonies of America took shape and prospered in the 1750s and 1760s, the idea of independence from England had risen. England’s “taxation without representation” and its idea of a virtual representation had some colonists in America crying out for independence; however, this view was not unanimous throughout the colonies. There was a real dividing line between those that wanted independence, those that did not, and those that didn’t care either way. In order for the colonies to be free, there needed to be a sense of unity among them. Ben Franklin’s Albany Plan was originally formulated to defend against the French, but really sent a message that in order for the people of America to prosper and defend themselves, they needed to unite as one body; however, it failed and stands out as a negative on the road to unity. The Bias and future governor of Virginia, Richard Henry Lee, stated that all of North America, (with the exception of New York) “…Is firmly united... and resolved to defend their liberties.” He affirmed the idea written by the Continental Congress, saying that they were “with one mind resolved.” The members of the Congress would rather die as freemen with rights and representation, rather than live like slaves. A report from the Massachusetts Historical society shows that when Boston needed relief, not only people from Connecticut sent goods, but many other neighboring states did the same. This shows a real genuine inter-colony concern for one another. More examples of unity in the Colonies were the organization of the Albany Congress, Stamp Act Congress, and Continental Congress. Although this desire for independency was evident throughout the colonies, so were Loyalists, those that wanted to remain part of England. There was not only strife within North America with Britain, but also conflict between the colonies in themselves. Delegates from the colonies had different views and this would put a road-block in the road to independence. This was also true among the colonists in the colonies at that time. John Adams saw that the colonists were very divided in their beliefs and said that 1/3 of the people were for revolution, 1/3 were against it, and 1/3 were happy with the way things were. The colonists were not even willing to revolt against the French. It would be very for them to unite against their own “mother country.” Many people were unwilling to buy into the idea of revolution because of financial and military risk as well. The Continental Army was made up of many young men and was severely outnumbered by England’s military force. It would take a lot of money to finance the war and many wondered if it was worth it. These issues would affect the colonies’ sense of identity. How the people of North America saw themselves and how they wanted to be seen affected the cause for rebellion. In _Letters from an American Farmer_, John Crevecoeur stated, “Individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men.” He was referring to America, supporting that it is the land of opportunity, and supporting the idea that America is the great “melting pot” of the world. Under English rule, many people’s fates would be decided at birth, whether that person was a king, queen, or peasant. As Americans, people are able to break away from this trend and opportunity for advance is always present. Even those in the English Parliament agreed that what England was doing was wrong. Edmund Burke especially thought this, and firmly believed that colonists needed representation. Also, The Continental Army was a prime example of union and sense of identity. Under the command of George Washington, it was willing to stand up for America’s ideas, even though it was young and small. Benjamin Franklin said, “We’re a new nationality, we require a new nation.” This quote sums up the belief of those that wanted rebellion. They saw themselves as Americans and needed to be free from England’s grasp in order really to be a nation. The colonies were separated in their sense of identity, as well. Many of them saw themselves as independent bodies and this goal of uniting as one puzzled them. Peter Oliver, a Loyalist, saw those that wanted rebellion as weak and saw England as America’s “parent.” Many people really saw no point in rebellion. Loyalist clergyman, Mather Byles, thought that if America did rebel, it would be ruled by the people, and those people would become Tyrants. He would rather be ruled by one Tyrant in another country than many in the same country as him. America’s pride and unity would eventually lead to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 177. Although many of the Tories and those in favor of not rebelling didn’t get their way, America formulated a declaration that gave them rights that were not available to them under rule of England. Although they were smaller and the weaker nation, leaders, including Washington, believed that the colonies’ sense of unity and cause for rebellion would allow them to win this war and eventually become a free nation with representation.