Eve Of The Revolution.
By the mid-1700 the British Colonies is North America began to develop a greater sense of identity, unity and independence, due to the newly imposed duties they critically oppose, but were enforced by the British Parliament. Most of the first settlers in America came from England and considered themselves to be Englishmen. At first they relied on their mother country for money, supplies and protection. As the colony became larger and more populous, people gradually started feeling as if they were a separate nation. By the eve of the Revolution the patriotism had built up to such an extent, that the colonists believed America was self-sufficient enough to exist as independent unit from England. .
At first, America existed just as any of the other English colonies. England provided financial and military assistance, and in turn America shipped goods that were to be sold in England. This mercantilist system worked out at first, but soon, as the population increased people began to feel that many of England's trade policies and laws were unfair. They also expected to be represented in the English Parliament. Edmund Burke said, "Govern America? As you govern an English town which happens not to be represented in Parliament?" (DOC B). However, England declined the colonist's requests, and only made the situation worse by declaring harsher laws. Some laws prevented the colonists from trading with other countries, and others placed larger taxes on goods. .
After the French and Indian war the colonists seemed to become further dependent on British Army for defense against attacks from rivals, such as the Indians and their allies, the French, therefore the British Parliament decided to leave and army in North America and demanded the colonies to pay part of its cost, and contribute to their own defense. Yet, during the next twelve years, the British Parliament didn't just tax for the British army in America, they decided they would also enforce duties on items such as Madeira wine, coffee, molasses, and other products, which came to be known as the Sugar Act.
