Apush DBQ 1768-1783 - DBQ on the early industrialization PDF

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DBQ on the early industrialization ...

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Abbey Walker Mr. Leffler AP US World History 12 September 2020 DBQ The definition of freedom and liberty changed substantially for the colonists between 1763 and 1783. Although the colonists blindly followed the British rule in the beginning, as their desire for individual freedom grew, they were brought to the realization of the tyrannical British government in which they were under. They began to accept a more common principle that liberty was a natural human right and that reason and scientific knowledge – not state or the church – were responsible for human progress. As a result of our independence from Great Britain, the colonists were given religious freedom, and citizen rights; however, in recent months, Americans have allowed the government to dictate their ability to freely attend church services, and other large gatherings. Citizens are being forced to take health precautions, such as being quarantined, and possibly being forced to receive vaccinations, which has led to the decline of independent freedom once again. Although many loyalists continued to remain faithful to the British crown in the revolutionary era, there was still a tremendous change in ideas about American independence from the end of the seven year war in 1763, to the American revolution in 1783. Many colonists during the late 1700’s were in opposition to Great Britain and wanted their freedom more than anything else. The teapot in document 1 exemplifies the colonist’s resistance to the British rule. They wanted to repeal the stamp act and restore American Liberty; they believed it to be a

violation of their rights as Englishmen to be taxed without their consent. Men such as Samuel Adams, believed that natural law replaces any man-made law, such as the laws the parliament were imposing on the colonists without their permission. Adams was a member of the Sons of Liberty, a secret political organization that protested British taxes and laws. Being a member of the Sons of Liberty was his motivation for encouraging colonist to apply enlightenment ideas, such as natural liberty and the freedom to go where you please, and to support the growing calls for colonial independence (Doc 3 POV). Other antifederalists, such as Thomas Paine, spread the idea that colonists have a greater appreciation for what they have when they work hard for it. He argued that their thankfulness for freedom would come from joining the army and fighting Great Britain for it. He believed those who wanted their independence should be willing to fight for it. He supported the patriots and the cause of the Revolutionary War therefore he wanted freedom and wanted more people to join the military to support the Patriots (Doc 7). Despite the common theme throughout the colonists that they should rebel against Great Britain and fight for their freedom, there were some who remained loyal to the British crown. According to Document 2, the Virginia House of Burgesses, believed that if anyone was suspected of committing a crime, they should be dealt with according the “British Course of Proceeding” (Doc 2). The House of Burgesses also believed that they should have every right to tax the citizens and that anyone who defiled it should be considered the colonies enemies. Not only were there influential groups who were against independence from Great Britain, there were also individuals. One of these individuals was Charles Inglis, an Anglican church minister. Inglis wanted to undermine the independence movement because he believed the colonies did not make enough money on exports. He stated that their expenses were more than the income their exports

generated, and their expenses would be even higher if they were independent from Great Britain. He maintained that they should remain loyal to the British crown (Doc 6). Although almost all colonists under British rule considered themselves either an Antifederalist, or a loyalist, some were adamant to have peace, while others were willing to go to extreme measures to ensure they got what they wanted. The Quaker leaders believed kinds have divine rights, and they owed them their faithfulness. The Quaker leaders encouraged other Quakers to not join the revolts and excitement against the British government. Their main concern was for the peace and welfare of their country. They wanted to prevent war at all cost (Doc 4). On the other hand, people like Janet Schaw, wanted to punish everyone who refused to fight. She believed they should be tarred a feathered, their houses burned, their pigs shot, their corn cut up, and their slaves should be stolen (Doc 5). Janet’s views differed greatly from the peace-loving Quakers, although they did have one thing in common; they were both passionate about their beliefs. Both the loyalists and antifederalist fought for their beliefs, and what they believed to be right. The antifederalists fought hard for their freedom, and citizen rights, and it would be a shame to revert back to a tyrannical rule as a result of an alleged global pandemic. From 1763– 1783 people went from blindly accepting the British rule, to believing in individual rights. Unfortunately, it appears as though Americans are once again blindly accepting what the government is feeding them regarding covid-19....