Separate Nation From England example essay topic

AP AM HISTORY DB 2- (An A+ Essays Original Paper, written by Zoo Patrol) To what extent had the colonists developed a sense of their identity and unity as Americans by the eve of the Revolution? Most of the first settlers in America came from England and considered themselves to be Englishmen. At first they relied on their mother country for money, supplies and protection. As the colony became larger and more populous, people gradually started feeling as if they were a separate nation.

By the eve of the Revolution the patriotism has built up to such an extent, that the colonists believed America was self-sufficient enough to exist as independent unit from England. At first, America existed just as any of the other English colonies. England provided financial and military assistance, and in turn America shipped goods that were to be sold in England. This mercantilist system worked out at first, but soon, as the population increased people began to feel that many of England's trade policies and laws were unfair.

They also expected to be represented in the English Parliament. Edmund Burke said, "Govern America? As you govern an English town which happens not to be represented in Parliament?" (Notes for Speech in Parliament). However, England declined the colonist's requests, and only made the situation worse by declaring harsher laws. Some laws prevented the colonists from trading with other countries, and others placed larger taxes on goods. Soon people felt that "there is something absurd in supposing a continent is to be governed by an island" (Common Sense).

The colonists did not need any assistance from England, except for protection. However that changed after the end of the French and Indian war. The British losses were extremely heavy and it would hardly by able to defend itself if war was to brake out. Therefore England did not have a sufficient armed force to enforce its laws. Even though America was now completely self-sufficient, there were still people loyal to England. Often referred to as the "Tories", they did not want to abandon their parent country.

The loyalists believed that America would never survive without England's protection and guidance. Mather Byles said, .".. which is better, to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away, or by three thousand tyrants not a mile away". (The Famous Mather Byles). People like him believed that creating a separate government in America would not solve any problems, but only create more new ones.

Others preached that it is a shame to leave their parent country. However, since the loyalists made up a small percentage of the population and were generally rich, the majority of people rarely favored their ideas. Prior to the breakout of the Revolution, many Tories had been tarred and feathered, beaten, or were subjected to other forms of punishment. By 1760's the Americans increasingly felt a sense of unity and their own identity. The people knew that if they do not unite it would be much easier for the British to destroy them. However the each of the colonies still tended to think of itself as a separate unit, rather then being a part of a larger nation.

For example, when donations were gathered for the relief of Boston, the states mostly contributed material goods such as grain, flour, and sheep, instead of providing people willing to fight for their country. As seen above, American people gradually began to feel as a separate nation from England. Though the Americans shared a lot in common - culture, religion, and their common opposition of British rule, they still were somewhat reluctant to unite as a single country. Even though, they did unite and successfully overthrew the British, establishing the United States.