British Affairs

Between 1763 and 1775 the relationship between Great Britain and its colonies grew increasingly tense. Taxation without representation was a fierce argument between the colonists and the British. This essay describes the viewpoints of some influential people and numerous reasons why people supported a side of the argument. It is also stated different ways people reacted to certain events.

George Greenville, a Member of Parliament, stated on January 14, 1766 that Great Britain is ultimately sovereign. Britain has supreme legislative power over the colonies, and that includes the ability to tax the colonies. Greenville supported Great Britain's side of the argument by presenting a big reason to tax the colonies. Greenville blames the colonies for the national debt. Britain had to pay a large sum of money to protect the colonies during the French and Indian War. Now it is the colonies time to be called to pay for expenses.

The colonies are part of England. In everything they are British. Dr. Samuel Johnson used this fact to support Parliament's ability to tax the colonies. The colonists are entitled to all English rights. If the colonists are governed by English laws, regulated by English council, and protected by the English army, shouldn't they also pay English taxes?

King George III supported Parliament's rights to tax by stating that the only reason for the arguments is the traitorous view of the leaders in the colonies. The king says that the Great Britain is the freest society in the whole world. The people in the colonies should

just change their views and should realize this truth. This would stop all the violence such as that

of the Boston Massacre.

The reasons why Britain pursued its policies despite opposition revolved around the need for money and the extent Great Britain would go for the money. Britain was in massive debt because of the colonists during the French and Indian War. No matter how hard the colonists opposed, that money would need to be paid. Taxing the colonists was the easiest to get that money, so Britain persisted in this method.

George Washington supported the Patriot cause. He believes that

representation is required to pass likes like the Intolerable Acts and the Townshend Acts.

Parliament needs the colonies' consent in the legislation of laws. He even says that "I think that

the Parliament of Great Britain hath no more right to put their hands into my pockets, without my

consent, than I have to put my hands into yours for money." Washington also stated that

representation is a right the colonists had, but petitioning Parliament would degrade