Two Events In Britain Indirectly Influenced The American Revolution

 

The American Revolution was a significant turning point in world history, leading to the formation of the United States of America. The revolution had its roots in several factors, including political, economic, and social issues. One of the main influences on the American Revolution was the events that occurred in Britain in the 18th century. This essay will discuss two events in Britain that indirectly influenced the American Revolution: the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the Seven Years' War.

 

 

The Glorious Revolution, also known as the Bloodless Revolution, was a political revolution that took place in England in 1688. The revolution saw the overthrow of King James II, who was replaced by William III and Mary II. The revolution was significant because it established the supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy and laid the foundation for constitutional monarchy in England.

 

 

The Glorious Revolution had a significant impact on the American colonies, even though it took place several decades before the American Revolution. The revolution paved the way for the development of parliamentary democracy in Britain and the colonies. The colonies had their own legislatures, which were modeled on the British Parliament. The colonists believed that they were entitled to the same rights and freedoms as Englishmen and used the principles of parliamentary democracy to make this argument.

 

 

One of the key principles of parliamentary democracy is the idea of no taxation without representation. This principle asserts that individuals should not be taxed without their consent, and that their representatives in government should have a say in how taxes are collected and spent. The colonists used this principle to argue against British taxation policies, such as the Stamp Act of 1765, which imposed a tax on printed materials. The colonists believed that they were being taxed unfairly, as they had no representation in the British Parliament.

 

 

The Glorious Revolution also contributed to the development of the concept of natural rights. This concept asserts that individuals have certain rights that are inherent and cannot be taken away by the government. The concept of natural rights was first articulated by John Locke, a British philosopher who lived during the Glorious Revolution. Locke argued that individuals had the right to life, liberty, and property, and that the government had a duty to protect these rights. The concept of natural rights was embraced by the American colonists, who used it to justify their resistance to British authority.

 

 

The Seven Years' War, also known as the French and Indian War, was a global conflict that took place between 1756 and 1763. The war was fought between Britain and France, with the assistance of their respective allies. The conflict was fought primarily in Europe, but it also had significant implications for the American colonies.

 

 

The Seven Years' War had a significant impact on the American colonies because it increased tensions between the colonies and Britain. The war was expensive, and Britain incurred a large debt as a result. To pay for the war, Britain began to impose new taxes on the colonies, such as the Sugar Act of 1764 and the Stamp Act of 1765. These taxes were deeply unpopular with the colonists, who believed that they were being unfairly taxed without their consent.

 

 

The Seven Years' War also contributed to the growth of the British Empire in North America. After the war, Britain gained control of Canada and much of the territory west of the Appalachian Mountains. The colonists resented the British presence in these territories and believed that they were entitled to expand westward themselves. The conflict over westward expansion would contribute to the tensions between the colonists and Britain, leading to the American Revolution.

 

 

In conclusion, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the Seven Years' War were two events in Britain that indirectly influenced the American Revolution. The Glorious Revolution established the principles of parliamentary democracy

 

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