Causes for the Revolution: A deeper look
The American Revolution can be compared to a teenager moving out on his or her own for the first time. While scary, it's a new adventure, and there comes a certain sense of autonomy from it. Britain could be considered that sad parent with a severe case of empty nest syndrome, at once deciding to pull back on a leash that, horrified to find, no longer exists. It's a silly metaphor, but not far from the truth. Once America showed any sign of unity, Britain took lengthy steps to exercise power over the new colonies, almost as to say, "do not forget, we are still in charge." Many people overlook the events that led America to be so unified in achieving her goal of independence. While boycotting and opposition did lead America to become more bonded for their cause, these were events that metaphorically "backed America into a corner". The colonists had to unify to stand against the British or their cause would be forever lost. While events such as the Stamp Act and Quartering Act were blatantly wrong and a desperately calling for change, this is not the only way early Americans began to pull together as one. Even as colonial troops and British troops were allied to defeat the Spanish, there was a lot of tension.
(Boyer 119) This movement is significant in opening up new rights to blacks and women. It began with Jonathon Edwards who, in hopes to re-awaken the fear of God among the colonies, pushed for returning to the Pilgrims' strict protestant beliefs. (#2) George Whitfield continued the movement and was very influential in his speaking, so much so that in just once year the number of people attending church jumped by 500% as a result of his touring, in part because he accepted a very large audience. Women, in new churches, were sometimes allowed to speak out and vote in meetings. Colonists were reluctant to give British troops shelter and food, while soldiers complained that the colonial troops weren't adequate fighters. (Long 174) Fingers were pointed at this problem and as a result, a feverous revival of evangelical religion took place in 1739, later referred to as the Great Awakening. Republicanism was slowly weaving itself into the American society. In that state, all men were equal and independent, and none had a right to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions. Benjamin Franklin took a large part in the scientific aspect of this movement. There was a new respect for religious tolerance, and there was a common understanding for the Christian faith. As any parent would agree, it is far easier to grant a child freedom than to take it away. The sad truth is, long distance relationships don't work and this piece of history is a prime example of it. A greatly influential Enlightenment thinker, John Locke, stated: ""the original state of nature was characterized by reason and tolerance. Slaves were sometimes allowed to join white churches and even speak at revival meetings. The idea of Manifest Destiny arose from this new revelation.
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Acceptance Essays
