Causes of the War of Independence
History: KS3, topic 12.1.3
The American Identity
Although the American colonists viewed themselves as British, their own interests were beginning to become more important.
British identity
- Being of British heritage, many American colonists believed Britain to be ‘the mother country’.
- They also valued British democracy and liberties, which included:
- The right to a fair trial.
- Paying taxes should mean representation in parliament.
American identity
- However, the Americas were very far away from Britain.
- The British government gave the 13 colonies some responsibility.
- Over time, the American colonists viewed themselves as distinct from the British and began to resent the British telling them what to do.
Test yourself on Causes of the War of Independence
What was Britain to many American colonists?