Student Essay on The American Revolution to the War for Independence

The American Revolution to the War for Independence

Summary:   "The American Revolution" is a better term to explain all the historical events that were taking place. With resistance and rebellion through protests, boycotts, and other political movements, independence was slowly becoming in reach. The conflicts between the two sides foreshadowed a war, leading into independence and an American Revolution. In a sense, the historical events during "The American Revolution" led to "The War for Independence."

Independence was the main focus of the colonies after monarch rule of the British. During this key period of American history, "The American Revolution" would be a more appropriate term instead of "The War for Independence." In the dictionary, the term "revolution" is defined as an overthrow of one government and its replacement with another. The American Revolution gives a broader sense of what is going on; starting from the initial ideology of independence, the acts and protests carried out based on this ideology, and the war that resulted from it. "The War for Independence" is only a small section of the whole spectrum of The American Revolution. In this paper, I will show differences between the two ideas by providing concrete examples from Thomas Paine's Common Sense along with historical events discussed in the text book and in class.

America has grown vastly apart from the British Empire culturally and politically. Instead of the colonies becoming an extension of England, it has become a new country in itself. When the New world was first colonized and settled, America did not have a king or head figure. The goal of the people in America was to create a new form of independent government. Radical events had to take place in order for this to happen. The prefix "rad" means root. This meant that a fundamental change had to occur from the bottom, up. (Class notes) This was evident to the main political leaders and activists in the colonies.

During the American Revolution, there were many events and occurrences that were radical and revolutionary. As unreasonable taxes were placed on everyday goods, much of the products were boycotted, and as a result, smuggled goods were more economical. British troops stationed in colony ports and bays enforced the specific acts and collected taxes. A famous merchant named John Hancock named his ship "Liberty." British troops seized the ship because of smuggled goods that were in the ship. This occurrence was a metaphor to what was going on between England and the colonies in which the British took away their "Liberty." (Class notes) Such acts as this demonstrated a struggle between the British and colonies. This separation and difference would lead to further demonstrations of protest and a plea for political change.

There were many unconventional political revolts that were demonstrated against the British. The Boston Tea Party, for example, demonstrated that anything "Britain" was not desired in the colonies. Radicals in New York called the New York City Sons of Liberty posted up "liberty poles" with banners and flags proclaiming their cause in rebellion. When British troops destroyed them, the Sons of Liberty assembled a larger liberty pole. When British soldiers chopped it down, a riot broke loose. British troops were faces against angry New Yorkers armed with clubs and other weapons. (Faragher p.101) These events were important for the American Revolution; acts of protest and rebellion demonstrated an up-rise against the British influence.

Rebellious acts such as protests and demonstrations are one way of starting an American Revolution. In Tom Paine's case, it was through documents and writings. One of his main focuses was on the problems of monarchy and the concept of absolute rule. Power from ruler to ruler was inherited and corruption was evident throughout. His proclamation of the many problems with monarchy was very revolutionary. He stated, "If we inquire into the business of a king, we shall find that in some countries they have none;...In absolute monarchies the whole weight of business, civil military, lies on the king;" (Common Sense p.85) He believed that monarchy was too much power for one person, especially someone who was across the Atlantic.

Thomas Paine had a clear sense that independence was needed for America. "But it is the independence of this country of Britain or any other, which is now the main and only object worthy of contention, and which, like all other truths discovered by necessity, will appear clearer and stronger every day." (Common Sense p. 110) With this belief in the necessity of independence, a revolution can be sought after. Independence and liberty were the key points that Thomas Paine made in his documents. His writings were almost like fuel to the colonists for a revolution. He had a comprehensive understanding of the problems associated with monarchy and believed that political movements had to be made.

During this period of American history, radical change was inevitable. "The American Revolution" is a better term to explain all the historical events that were taking place. With resistance and rebellion through protests, boycotts, and other political movements, independence was slowly becoming in reach. The conflicts between the two sides foreshadowed a war, leading into independence and an American Revolution. In a sense, the historical events during "The American Revolution" led to "The War for Independence."