Chapter 2 Causes Which Impelled

The Story of the Declaration of Independence
By Malone

Review:
Chapter 2: Causes Which Impelled

The Declaration of Independence declared that the future of this new nation was potentially destined for greatness. This great document also marked the end of a period in time were many grievances were performed against our people from England. This document in affect marked the seal of approval of the people on the American Continent to become an Independent nation by men that were devoted to God. There was a bloody war, but the war was fought and won in the minds and hearts of the citizens long before the bloodshed occured.

The stage was set for movement towards independence when George III became King, and Jeffereson went to college at William and Mary, and the French surrendered Canada - the year was 1760.

Looking back, the revolution actually started before then. It truly began in the hearts of those that left their motherland to seek a better way of life. It started by those that willingly left there homelands to come upon a new shore to begin their independent life apart from the growing decay occurring in Europe. The inhabitants of this land surely would not have sought independence if they had not already found themselves creating a better life on this new continent as compared to life in Europe.

The British Colonies in America were subordinate to the motherland and were expected to contribute the her welfare, however the citizens of the colonies were hard working, self sufficient, and were far from subservient in spirit. It was a well known characteristic of the citizens of the colonies that they were a loyal and generous people, but were despised at the thought of being ruled by a superior power.

The people of the colonies gained maturity and confidence by the end of the successful struggle between England and the French to the extent that they  resented the degree of control being exercised over them by England. At the same time, England was like a parent not realizing the growth and maturity of a child and increased the number of restriction placed on the citizens.

The growing tension erupted when the motherland sought to increase its revenue derived from the colonies. Since England had defeated the French, England now controlled more land and had more subjects. England wanted to increase taxes. The citizens of the colonies played a large role in helping defeat the French and felt that it was unjust to increase the amount of control and taxation over them. First the British tried to taking control over trade laws, and then they sought taxation. At every turn, our patriotic ancestors fought this thinking. They refused to allow this to occur. England was not happy, so they attacked the colonial government.

In the course of the dispute, colonial leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and James Wilson proposed  what amounted to be dominion status. However the British leaders were unwilling to receive the message being proclaimed through thought, letter, resistance or action. Because of the stubbornness and repressive policy of King George, the issue was elevated to one of freedom, purpose, principle, personal rights, and liberty; the Americans picked up their arms.