By 1700 the British colonies on the North American mainland were remarkably different, and in
many ways isolated from one another. As late as 1760 Benjamin Franklin declared that a union
of the colonies was “not merely improbable, it is impossible,” because the colonial peoples loved
England “much more than they love one another.” Yet by 1776 many of the colonists voted to
sever their ties with Great Britain and join together to form a new nation. How did the colonists
across colonial boundaries become more aware of and interconnected with each other during this
period 1700-1776? What led the colonial leaders to unite in open rebellion against the British
crown in the years preceding 1776?
When the British government enacted taxes that many colonists believed to be unfair, the ire of the colonists was raised. They were incensed that the king should so completely disregard the wants of good British citizens.
During the period between 1700 and 1776, the colonists across colonial boundaries became more aware of and interconnected with each other through a combination of various factors. Here are some key factors that contributed to this:
1. Trade and commerce: The growth of trade and commerce between the colonies played a significant role in fostering communication and connections. As the colonies developed economically, they increasingly relied on each other for goods and resources. This led to an increase in trade networks and the exchange of ideas and information.
2. Print culture: The establishment of newspapers and printing presses throughout the colonies allowed for the circulation of information and ideas. Newspapers played a crucial role in disseminating news, opinions, and political discourse. As the print culture grew, colonists became more informed about events in other colonies and developed a sense of shared grievances and experiences.
3. Enlightenment ideas: The Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that emphasized reason and individual rights, greatly influenced the colonists. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Thomas Paine wrote influential works that spread throughout the colonies, promoting concepts of natural rights, limited government, and resistance to tyranny. These shared ideas helped to unify the colonists' political outlook and fostered a sense of shared identity.
4. Great Awakening: The Great Awakening, a religious revival movement, swept through the colonies in the mid-18th century. It emphasized a personal, emotional connection with God and rejected traditional authority figures. The movement brought people together in large gatherings, fostering a sense of community and collective identity that transcended regional boundaries.
5. Colonial assemblies and intercolonial meetings: The establishment of colonial assemblies provided a platform for elected representatives from different colonies to come together and discuss common issues. Additionally, intercolonial meetings such as the Albany Congress of 1754 provided an opportunity for colonial leaders to discuss defense, trade, and other matters. These meetings facilitated interaction and collaboration between the colonies, leading to increased awareness of shared interests and challenges.
As the colonists became more aware of each other and interconnected, several factors led to the colonial leaders uniting in open rebellion against the British crown:
1. Increasing British control: Over time, the British government began enforcing stricter control over the colonies through measures such as the Navigation Acts and various taxes (e.g., Sugar Act, Stamp Act). These actions were seen by many colonists as infringements on their rights and freedoms, leading to growing resentment and opposition.
2. Restrictions on self-governance: The British government also imposed restrictions on colonial self-governance, such as the appointment of royal governors and the tightening of trade regulations. These measures were perceived as undermining the colonists' ability to govern themselves and make decisions that were in their best interests.
3. Lack of representation: One of the main grievances of the colonists was the lack of representation in the British government. The slogan "No taxation without representation" encapsulated the frustration of the colonists who believed they should have a say in the laws and policies that affected them.
4. The power of colonial elites: Colonial leaders, such as Samuel Adams, John Adams, and George Washington, played a crucial role in mobilizing the colonists and advocating for resistance against British authority. These leaders used their influence to organize protests, spread revolutionary ideas, and unite the colonies against a common enemy.
5. The influence of revolutionary ideas: The Enlightenment ideals discussed earlier, combined with the experiences of self-governance and emerging democratic traditions in the colonies, inspired many colonists to seek independence. The belief that individuals had a natural right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness fueled the desire for self-determination and pushed colonial leaders towards rebellion.
Ultimately, the gradual awareness of shared grievances, the exchange of ideas and information, and the increasing sense of a shared colonial identity led to the formation of a united front against British rule. The combination of political, economic, and philosophical factors ultimately culminated in the colonists' decision to sever their ties with Great Britain and establish a new nation.