As of 1763, the British Empire was the most successful empire in the world. Despite this fact, the thirteen colonies of British North America, decided to courageously revolt against the mother country. This decision left the British, as well as many Americans, wondering why they would want to break from and go against such a triumphant empire. Many factors lead up to the revolt such as "differences in life, thought, and interests [that] had developed between the mother country and the growing colonies." While "local political institutions and practice diverged significantly from English ways," conflicts arose in factors involving customs, religion and the economy. The American Revolution was also greatly influenced by the Stamp Act of 1765, the Declatory Act of 1766, the Quartering Acts of 1765-66, and the Townshend Acts of 1767, The Tea Act in 1773, and the Coercive or "Intolerable" Acts of 1774.
             In 1761, James Otis issued a protest to the Writs of Assistance. The Writs of Assistance were general search warrants that empowered customs officials to search without a "probable cause" any time they suspected the presence of goods on which duties had not been paid. The purpose of the Writs of Assistance was to cut down on the amount of smuggling going on in the colonies. Otis argued that the writs were unconstitutional because they were "universal, being directed 'to all singular justices, sheriffs, constables, and all other officers and subjects'" that every subject to the king may be a tyrant. He argued that "customhouse officers may enter our houses when they please; we are commanded to permit their entry. Their menial servants may enter, may break locks, bars, and everything in their way; and whether they break through malice or revenge, no man, no court can inquire. Bare suspicion without oath is sufficient." Oti
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