ANTECEDENTS

To deduce how a conflict originated, at any time post-argument, is a futile undertaking. Reason was not an issue when the rift occurred, but emotion. There has never been, nor will there ever be, a noose that is sufficiently able to corral feelings. Therefore, specific cause is impossible to determine. In the case of the American Revolutionary War, there was much about feeling in the action. The guns did not first sound without just cause. However, that justification was seen as a right by both sides. The British had their imperial imperative, and the colonies had their independent rights. Multiple issues doomed the British Empire of maintaining its hold on the thirteen colonies situated in Southern North America along the Atlantic seaboard.



At first glance, it seems ridiculous that the English ever allowed their richest crown jewel to depart. They were able to gain exceeding wealth form the American colonies because of the rich natural resources. Unfortunately, the colonies began to realize the benefits the English were enjoying. The grumbling started in about 1680, but came to a head in 1765 (Morison, 1923.) The colonies wanted as much self-government as possible, free trade with other principalities besides England, representation in the Parliament, and free access to the Western lands. Thus, the focus of the revolution was on social, economic, and political disputes. Social Causes The population of the American colonies had been increasing markedly throughout the eighteenth century. By 1750 the population of the future United States had eclipsed a million. This was in contrast to an approximate census in the UK of was 5.7 million. Because of the lack of resources in the isles, the UK needed to rely on its colonies to provide goods (Andrews, 1931.) The population in the UK was largely urban which also contrasted with the colonies which were definitely agricultural. Therefore, the social strata was much different. The colonies were so far from the mother island that royal and parliamentary proceedings had no bearing. The British (in the islands and the other colonies) looked to the crown for everything. They received fatherly guidance and social propriety from the British home. Even if one lived in Canada or the West Indies, the United Kingdom was looked to as the source of all thing. Like a small child who needs its mother. media type="youtube" key="cUeOCjcgVsE" height="315" width="420" align="center"