Building up to the Revolutionary War

During the middle of the eighteenth century Britain despite its past of political disorder, remained a hierarchical society. In America however, their way of life shaped social mobility and individualistic characteristics not ordinarily seen in Europe. The colonies had separated themselves from their mother country, colonists believed that they were Americans, and as a result attempted to run their independence.

After the Seven Years War in 1763 the British focused their attention on administrating the newly expanded empire. Desperate for revenue to help lower the debt of war, the British government turned to the colonist that were benefiting from the debt incurred. In 1764 the Sugar Act was passed followed by the Stamp Act in 1765. Both of these acts require colonist to pay a certain amount. Increasing revenue made by the British government, they believed that these acts were fair and unreasonable due to the fact the colonists received protection from British troops.

The Americans however held different views on the situation. They were offended sadly by the fact that they were being taxed without their consent, infringing a good principle of good government. Representatives of nine colonies all agreed at the Stamp Act congress in 1765 that is essential to the freedom of people that no taxes should be imposed on them without their own consent. Rejecting their claim of basic rights being violated, the Congress concluded that colonists had "virtual representation".