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The birth of Great Britain.
The union of England and Scotland created Great Britain. This occurred in England and Scotland and paved the way for politics to foster an attitude of resentment among the colonists. The attention shift to activities at home meant that the colonies were left feeling as if they were to fend for themselves .
Open Stax, U.S. History, “4: Introduction”
National Archives, The 1707 Acts of Union -
Molasses Act
The Molasses act was put in place in Great Britain but for the colonists, specifically in the north. The duty put in place was not strictly enforced. This allowed colonists to circumvent the act and continue to smuggle goods. The self reliance again bolstered the innate capabilities of the colonists and highlighted weakness in British policy implementation.
Open Stax, U.S. History, “4.1: Charles II and The Restoration Colonies”
Sugar and Molasses Act of 1733 – Original Text -
Proclamation of 1763
Another imperial policy created in Great Britain, this restricted the ability for colonists to expand westward. While meant to prevent conflict, this served to make colonists bitter at the purpose for the previous wars seeming fruitless. Overall, the boundary line served to work toward driving a wedge between the needs of the colonists and the Imperial rule.
Open Stax, U.S. History, “5.1: Confronting the National Debt: The Aftermath of the French and Indian War” -
Stamp Act
The Stamp act, yet another Imperial policy, aimed at funding the presence of British troops by taxing paper used by colonists. It marked the first time taxes would be paid directly to the Crown. With the absence of direct representation in Parliament, colonist felt as though this tax was unjust and sparked major protest for the first time. The resentment of Imperial rule was at an all time high.
Open Stax, U.S. History, “5.2: The Stamp Act and the Sons and Daughters of Liberty” -
Treaty of Paris
This treaty was signed in Great Britain and acknowledged the independence of United States. In addition to this acknowledgment, nation borders were set at the Mississippi and today's Canadian borders as well as down to Florida. This is the official separation from the Imperial rule that the colonists so craved. Despite having declared independence years earlier, the recognition of the new states solidified the separation.
Open Stax, U.S. History, “6.3: War in the South” -
Congress passes the Bill of Rights
In Washington, Congress took steps to ensure that the force of Imperial rule would never take hold among the colonies. The Bill of Rights was passed to grant the inalienable rights of the people. This is the culmination of separation from all influence that Great Britain's policy had in the colonies and assertion of independence and free will of the once colonists.
Open Stax, U.S. History, “8.1: Competing Visions: Federalists and Democratic-Republicans”
National Archives Catalog,"Bill of Rights"
