The American Revolution was a product of years of mounting grievances that culminated in an uncontrollable situation.

From the outset, the Colonists system of beliefs was contrary to the English. Living an ocean apart allowed for these grievances to be put aside temporarily. However, as the situation grew to be confrontational, the Colonists realized that they needed to organize their efforts in order to instill any real change. In an attempt to unify the colonies, as seen in the illustration on Document A, there were propagandist illustrations that foreshadowed the ultimate outcome some 20 years before the actual revolution: Join or die. Seeing as how this form of unification wasnt successful, Colonists soon realized that they needed to form an identity behind which each colony could relate to and rally around. It was this progress, and the failure of the British to diplomatically quell the situation that resulted in the ongoing problem that became the American Revolution. Creating an identity proved to be quite a dilemma for the Americans. As Crevocuer mentions in Document H, where he recognizes the obvious European descent, but also acknowledges the metamorphosis of a new type of people. Upon realizing the change, it became clear that the problem of having the English govern people who have transformed from their ideals would not be easily solved. The situation was made worse with the continued negative outlook of the British and the superior mentality they held regarding the Colonists. Burke poses the relevant dilemma of governing the colonists in the same manner as the English, but fails to recognize the problem accurately. He believes the vastly superior people that make up the British Empire are too good for the colonies Document B. Essentially, he is harboring the idea of sectionalism between the two lands through his pompous ignorance, an all too common trait that helped precipitate the grievances that would result in the formation of the colonists identity and unification against the British. Utilizing the growing resentment of the British and the creation of a uniform identity, the Colonists were now in a position to unify against the British. The calling of the First Continental Congress in 1775 provided the first gathering of multiple colonies in an effort to make changes. Document E exhibits the initial calling to arms that still proposed an idea of a reconcilable conclusion. However, this step of legal action is significant in that it was a unified step toward the eventual calling of arms during the Revolution. There were also other events that aided directly in the mounting hostilities of the revolution. The institution of certain taxes and acts were acts by the British aimed at enforcing their power of the colonists. Following the FrenchIndian War, the British believed the Colonists should pay for the war and also contribute to the cost of having soldiers remain in the colonies. Such acts as the Stamp Tax and Quartering Acts all provoked some sort of hostile act on behalf of the colonists. Although there was a growing resentment throughout the colonies, there still existed an element of loyalists that still believed in the mother country. Those, known as Tories, felt that Britain was their leader and stood by them even in time of trouble and division. As Document D illustrates, there were those who still believed in the higher belief and that the situation could be resolved. With the sentiment that they wouldnt have been where they were without the British and didnt have the right to just dismiss all that history, the Tories provided a logical sounding board by which they based their position on. However, not even the somewhat large number of loyalists could prevent the majority of the colonists to revolt and seek to revolutionize their world. The argument that they would be ruled by thousands of tyrants here as opposed to one

tyrant an ocean away did provide some sound logic that questioned the moral standing of the colonies if they were successful in achieving their freedom. But these issues would be addressed and solved before the final stages of the revolution. Fodor Already in the early years of America, people were realizing that Americans were unlike most other people; the majority of Americans were not only related to people of one country, but rather were related to a wide variety of European peoples. He is either an European, or the descendant of an European, hence that strange mixture of blood which you will find in no other country. I could point out to you a family whose grandfather was an Englishman, whose wife was Dutch, whose son married a French woman (document H). This mixed person created a new man, an American. The colonists were able to relate with one another and thus support one another because of their common American background. Most Americans, but not all, became unified and began to realize that they no longer wanted to be ruled by a tyrant across the Atlantic Ocean, but rather by someone who was also an American. However America was not fully unified by the time of the American Revolution because of the loyalists that could still be found amongst the colonists. Americans considered themselves a new man unlike most other people in this world; What then is the American, this new man? He is an American, who leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced. (Document H). The people living in America were mainly able to unite under their common title of an American. The new culture in America caused the disconnection between colonists and the British to grow, also fueling the American belief that Britain was not capable of governing them any longer. Is there a single Trait of Resemblance between those few Towns, and a great and growing people spread over a vast quarter of the globe, separated from us by a mighty Ocean? The eternal Barriers of Nature forbid that the colonies should be blended or coalesce into the Mass . . . of this Kingdom. (Doc ument B). The new man gained unity, but at the same time felt even more detached from their leaders. As Americans developed their new personal identity, they began to comprehend their right to be free from the British powers. all N. America is now most firmly united and as firmly resolved to defend their liberties ad infinitum against every power on Earth that may attempt to take them away. (Document C). Americans with their newfound unity were willing to go to war to break free from the tyrannical rulings of Britain. The Continental Congress declared that . . . the arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die freemen, rather than live [like] slaves. (Document E). Some Americans even believed that if they were not able to obtain freedom, then they would basically die. The flag in Document A states Join or Die. It shows a dead snake that was cut into different pieces, which were the colonies. Whoever created this flag felt that if Americans did not join the fight for freedom, then the colonies would be separated and would

die. The longing for freedom was inspired by the unity of the American people, who realized that they were a new person who could not be ruled by someone else. American unity was a very positive characteristic to have during the years leading to the American Revolution. In 1774 Boston had a tea party in response to tax policies of the British. The angry Bostonians threw crates of tea into the Boston Harbor to show their hatred for the taxes that were being placed on tea. The British reacted to the Boston Tea Party by closing the port in Boston. The people of this port city were unable to obtain many supplies and foodstuffs. At this point the unity of Americans was advantageous. People throughout the colonies donated items to the needy people in Boston. From Connecticut alone, Boston received a small flock of sheep, 3000 bushels of grain, 300-400 bushels of Indian corn and rye, "subscription for the relief of the poor", 248 1/2 bushels of rye, and 390 bushels of Indian corn. (Document G). The records in Document G show that Boston also received "Cash or articles of provision or other necessaries we can furnish" from the Provincial Assembly and "moneys from subscriptions or other benefactions" from the Committees of Correspondence, both located in New Jersey. Americans were finding that if they were able to bring aid to Boston during its time of need, then they would be able to join together and help one another through future problems. Although many colonists had identified themselves as Americans by the time of the America Revolution, there were still some who were loyal to the British crown. These people caused America to not be entirely unified. People loyal to the crown, or Tories, had their own opinions on the situation of America. Mather Byles wrote the following explaining his feelings about the situation: They call me a brainless Tory; but tell me, my young friend, which is better, to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away, or by three thousand tyrants not a mile away. (Document D). Mathers believes that the problems found while under the British rule would only magnify while under the rule of fellow Americans. Some colonists felt that it would be the wrong choice to break away from an already stable government. We [saw] a Set of Men . . . under the Auspices of the English Government; & protected by it . . . for a long Series of Years . . . rising, by easy Gradations, to such a State of Prosperity & Happiness as was almost enviable, but we [saw] them also run mad with too much Happiness, & burst into an open Rebellion against that Parent, who protected them against the Ravages of their Enemies (Document F). These loyalists wanted to remain safe under the rule of the British. The differences in opinion about becoming free from the British caused the unity of Americans to be somewhat broken. The people of America, although not fully unified, had found their identity. They discovered that they were Americans living in North America; Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world (document H). Americans were able to succeed even though America was not fully unified during the years leading to the American Revolution. Ortiz American colonists knew by their geographical location in the New World that they were a unique people and seemed to unite in times of need, although they were not politically united by the eve of the Revolution.

Through editorials and economic means, colonists showed support for one another even if they didnt always agree politically. The generality of the People were not [rebels]; but they were [weak] (Document F.) A drawing from the Pennsylvania Gazette urges the colonies to unite or die. This drawing, by Ben Franklin, warned colonists that if they didnt unify, the British would slaughter them. Only through their unification would they have the strength to resist British rule. The individual strength of each independent state would be no match for the stronger, older, more established nation of England. However, if each state were to support each other and unify in their purpose, then their chances of winning a war against the British would greatly increase. In one manner, the colonists spontaneously demonstrated how they could act united in purpose. After the Boston Tea Party, four colonies sent donations to Boston. Connecticut especially sent a substantial amount of provisions. All of the colonies contributions showed how American colonists could unite in times of need. They experienced a small taste of unity.American colonists were very different from the English, and if in any way, they were united by a common frontier experience. A Frenchman, Hector St. John Cravecoeur even noted that an American has a strange mixture of blood and that he has different prejudices and manners than his European ancestors. Some British even believed that Americans were too different to be blended... [into] this Kingdom (Document B.) This man, Edmund Burke, urged Parliament to let them carry across the ocean into the woods and desert of America the image of the British constitution (Document B.) Statements such as Burkes seemed to further distinguish the colonists and British as two very different people. The British had always been masters of the sea and the skills required of seamen are many of the same expertise required of frontiersmen. Thus the attitude of Burke may have pervaded many of the thoughts of his countrymen at that time that the colonists were a bit odd for venturing into unknown frontier. Some colonists held strong feelings for the British because many had families in England. However there were many who had felt betrayed by their country because of the rampant poverty, cramped living spaces and the ever-present threat of displeasing the monarchy. To those colonists who were well aware of the limitations afforded to them in Europe, were with each passing day, realizing a small glow of freedom to work, worship and have leisure as they saw fit for themselves and their families. Ponder Before the Revolution arrived colonists created a separate identity from that of Great Britain. In fact, the colonies had separate identities from one another. For years the colonies were basically independent, hardly receiving assistance from Britain. A new identity was formed, along with a new attitude that only contributed to the demands to separate from Britain. After generations of families were established in the new country, a new culture seemed to have evolved in America, including a new sense of nationalism. Document H and Document A are both testaments to this fact. Document features an illustration of a snake divided into seven pieces, each one representing a colony. The top of the illustration reads, Join or Die. The drawing promoted a sense of unification between the colonies. The word choice alone emphasizes the serious attitude that people had about unifying and becoming one nation separate

from Britain. Document H is a passage from Letter from an American Farmer. The author shares his observation that the Americans have become a completely different culture all its own. I could point out to you a family whose grandfather was an Englishman, whose wife was Dutch, whose son married a French woman. He also says that because of this new interaction of people a new mind set was created for colonists. This great metamorphosis has a double effect, it extinguishes all his European prejudices, he forgets that mechanism of subordination, that servility of disposition which poverty had taught him. The separation from Europe also created a new sense of independence for colonists. This independence was so important to the people that they were willing to fight in order to protect it. . . . the arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die freemen, rather than live [like] slaves. This quote from the Document E is an example of how far colonists were willing to go in order to protect their way of life. In addition to their independence, the issue of distance was also a factor in the desire to establish a separate identity. The colonists were separated from Britain by 3,000 miles, yet they were still forced to live under the laws of Britain. . . . The eternal Barriers of Nature forbid that the colonies should be blended or coalesce into the Mass . . . of this Kingdom, this passage from Document B shows the attitude that colonists had: Why adhere to the rules of a country so far away that does not consider the viewpoint of colonists? While many colonists wanted freedom, there were still British supporters. In Document D the author makes the statement, They call me a brainless Tory; but tell me which is better, to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away, or by three thousand tyrants not a mile away. Loyalists still wanted the protection that Britain would offer them, as well as, the business that they received. They saw British rule as a benefit, instead of a punishment, and welcomed the British presence in America. Proto By the mid-1700s, colonists began developing new identities for themselves. They no longer considered themselves Europeans, or even colonists. By this time, they called themselves Americans. Denizens of a completely new area to modern civilization, (besides the native Americans), these new people worked diligently to set themselves apart from their rulers in Britain. No longer was loyalty to the mother country regarded as a good trait to possess. Patriots, or defenders of the new land called America, exuded a faint feeling of nationalism. Posters and propaganda lined the streets and filled the newspapers, spreading unity and a new identity for the several new colonies. Pieces such as the Join or Die (Document A), exclaim a new feeling among the colonies. The tag rag army of colonial America was miniscule, but fierce. Any feelings of loyalty were extinguished by pieces such as Document A. Animals such as the snake and eagle were used to represent these feelings of unity and strength in the years 1750-1770. The eternal Barriers of Nature forbid that the colonies should be blended or coalesce into the Mass . . . of this Kingdom. (Document B). A common feeling amongst both colonists and inhabitants of Europe, was that the distance between the two areas would eventually dissolve the controversy. Torys, as they called loyalists to the crown, were not worried about the tyrant overseas. To Mother Byles, it was preferable to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles

away opposed to three thousand tyrants not a mile away. (Document D). Whether this is a valid statement or not, there was still plenty of controversy surrounding the matter. Many of the new colonists clashed in ideals. The rebellious Patriots desperately wanted to fight for what they believed to be heirs. They were willing to sacrifice to make sure their land was legally heir's. The loyalists, or Tories, would rather be governed by Parliament in England, then risk a war between the two locales. This separation of feelings grew into frequent surmises among the colonies. This separated the union of the new colonists, however strengthened the identity of the patriots, which would rise to become to new Americans. All North America is now most firmly united and as firmly resolved to defend their liberties ad infinitum against every power on Earth that may attempt to take them away. (Document C). The rebellious individuals inhabitation the colonies felt as though nothing in the world could hold them back from commanding their land. They were determined to use all their strength to claim the land as heir's, and heir's alone. This created an extremely strong bond among the new soldiers that would be fighting for their land, and ideals. The arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die freemen, rather than live [like] slaves. (Document E). To the new army, dying was preferable than continuing to live under the thumb of an oppressive government. The colonists fought for freedom, and grew united as a people to reach this common goal. The emotion of this new breed of people grew so strong, that they were nearly invincible. Much like an angry child and his parent, the colonist burst into an open Rebellion against that Parent, that parent being oppressive England. (Document F). This was the single motive to succeed in legally owning the land in which they resided on. With such scant supplies going to the colonies, such as sloop with provisions (Document G), the colonists by no means thrived. Hardships were underwent daily, fueled by the lack of food, shelter and the spread of disease. The Indian problem also grew. The colonial soldiers, united as they were, managed to kill off a great deal of the Indian population. These sanguinary battles prepared the young men to fight against the strongest army in the world at that time. He is an American, who leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced. . . . (Document H). This quote sums up the feeling of the new American. Colonists left their past in Europe, and thrived in America creating new identities and becoming united as a people.