History of The American Revolutionary War Essay Example

1740 to 1763 was a time period where the foundation for America’s core values was set. The rampant wars, religious discourse, rapid colonization, and relations with Native Americans that occured during this time were some of the most vital to the country’s development. However, the period between 1740 to 1763, and the changes in the relationship between Britain and her colonies during this time are the most significant and impactful throughout these events, some arguably leading directly to the Revolutionary War. The colonies’ growing frustration with England’s unfair laws became, as opposed to an annoyance, a battle for the future and for autonomy. The French and Indian War specifically altered the relationship between Britain and its American colonies by bringing to light tensions that had already been brewing, where different ideals began to clash, eventually resulting in a Revolutionary War. 

Tensions between England and her colonies were evident, even before the French and Indian War. Their treatment of the colonists was absolutely atrocious, and despite the colonist’s relative enthusiasm in helping the British at the beginning of the war, by the end they have ceased to fully believe in the power of the English crown. Even before the war, Native Americans were protesting the actions of the British- specifically encroachment- through efforts such as Document 2, which outlines their distaste with the colonists on this matter. This directly reveals allies in the French and Indian War, as most Native Americans are so frustrated with the crown and the way it’s taking advantage of them that they ally themselves with the French instead. This is in stark contrast to Document 3, where George Washington talks about what a great opportunity it is for him to fight as a general for the British army. It is due to these statements that tensions towards the British must have escalated significantly, as after the war George Washington became a key figure in America’s fight for liberty. English soldiers that resided in the colonies were also treated cruelly; resources such as food and clothing were hard to come by, and many of the armies were left to fend for themselves. Even when their enlistment was up, colonists weren’t allowed to leave, but instead were held and used to fight for as long as possible, as outlined in Document 4. Soldiers knew that this treatment wasn’t humane, and was, in fact an abuse of power on Britain’s part. This treatment reveals to many soldiers that they are seen as objects that can be utilized for the country’s benefit, as opposed to citizens. This just adds to the already immense feelings of distrust and hatred towards the British crown from even the lowliest citizens. This can further be backed up by actions of the colonists after the war. Document 7, a newspaper masthead from Pennsylvania, reveals the type of propaganda that rose up after the war. Between the Proclamation of 1763, which restricted their ability to use the land that they just fought a war for,  and the treatment of the soldiers during the French and Indian War, Pennsylvanians were aware that Britain was a threat to their freedom. This variety of documents, although sparse, already reveals that tensions between the British crown and colonists were brewing. The Revolutionary War is a direct example of colonists finally taking action against these tensions and reclaiming what the colonies mean to them. 

A variety of different views and perspectives has always been essential to America’s culture. Independent thinking, in and of itself, was one of the primary reasons that the colonists realized that the British failed to see things from their perspective - and the notable lack of American representatives on any British council further drives this point. Document 1 shows us the vast difference between the territory after the war, as opposed to before it. This land was what the colonists fought to gain from the French, on behalf of the British crown. Unfortunately, this also created many different perspectives on how to use the land. The crown thought that it should finally work on preserving its relationship with the Natives after the war, because at this point in time they are viewed as an excellent resource for war. The Proclamation of 1763 preserved this thought, giving them all land west of the Appalachians. They are of use to the colonies so they want to protect them. Directly after the war, the colonists were happy, as they believed they would be able to exercise freedom in their new lands. New crops, farms, and property hinted at prosperity and economic autonomy. Document 5 indicates that the colonists were even overjoyed to have fought alongside the British, because their monetary gain was thought to increase. However, Document 6, which speaks to the crown, demonstrates that the crown has other plans. It says that the money England lost as a result of the war was not decreasing at an acceptable rate, and what was flowing in from the colonies was barely making a dent. So, again, the colonies were viewed as nothing more than a resource for economic and political gain. The lack of consideration for the colonies on England’s part, is appalling, and the vast differences between life in the colonies and life in Britain led to differing points of view. These points of view eventually became so starkly different that America had no choice but to separate from the crown. 

The French and Indian War specifically altered the relationship between Britain and its American colonies by bringing to light tensions that had already been brewing, where different ideals began to clash, eventually resulting in a Revolutionary War. Firsthand accounts of British cruelty and disregard for the colonies only contribute to the rebellion. Their lack of understanding of how the colonists think and dream is directly linked to the anger that the colonists show in the Revolutionary War. America’s independence was no small matter, but instead a fight to establish a fair government.