Can somebody help explain to me how the picture of Paying the Exciseman is related to the growing rift between Great Britain and the colonies? Thanks.
Taxes! Taxes! Taxes!
The colonists felt that the British were overtaxing them and unfairly taxing them. This was one of the major causes of our declaration of independence.
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/6806/
Certainly! To understand the relationship between the painting "Paying the Exciseman" and the growing rift between Great Britain and the colonies, it is important to analyze the historical context and symbolism depicted in the artwork.
"Paying the Exciseman" is an oil painting created by American artist William Hogarth in 1733. It portrays an incident that occurred during the 1733 Excise Crisis in England. The painting shows a group of people resisting the enforcement of the unpopular excise tax imposed by the British government. The excisemen, who were responsible for collecting the tax, were met with resistance and hostility from the working-class population.
So, how does this relate to the growing rift between Great Britain and the colonies? The American colonies were also affected by the policies of taxation and control imposed by the British government. Just as the painting depicts resistance to an unpopular tax, the colonists became increasingly frustrated with British taxation measures without having a voice in the decision-making process. This frustration played a significant role in the lead up to the American Revolution.
To get a fuller understanding, I would recommend further research on the policies and events surrounding taxation in the American colonies, such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act, which further exacerbated tensions. Additionally, analyzing primary sources from the time, such as letters, pamphlets, and speeches, can provide deeper insights into the sentiment and viewpoints of both the colonists and the British authorities.
By exploring these historical factors, you will gain a more comprehensive understanding of how the painting "Paying the Exciseman" relates to the growing rift between Great Britain and the colonies.