These debts were often inherited from one generation to the next. As a result of mercantilism, the colonists lost a significant amount of money, and thus the American revolution began.
Moreover, the American Revolution began as a result of dedicated colonists. During the time preceding the revolution, many colonists did not even consider the possibility of breaking away from England. That changed, however, as a result of dedicated American colonists. One such American colonist was Thomas Paine, a well educated man who had a knack for getting his point across. He did so by writing a pamphlet, Common Sense, that stated, in simple terms, numerous reasons for independence. He wrote this magnificent piece of propaganda so that any literate person could understand it. Falling upon greatly receptive ears, Common Sense became one of the most influential works of the American Revolution. Another dedicated colonist was Samuel Adams, an extremely intelligent failure in the brewing business. Being a master propagandist, Adams was able to constantly put forth pamphlets to the public. He also organized the Committees of Correspondence, whose chief functions were to spread propaganda, and pass information between the colonies in order to keep a constant opposition to the British. After the first Committee of Correspondence was formed, eighty other towns created their own. Adams eventually signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and served in Congress afterwards until 1781. Another dedicated colonist and one of the most influential moderates in the time of the revolution was Thomas Jefferson. Having written the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Jefferson became one of the most historic figures in American history. Using his level headed thinking, Jefferson explained to the English the reasons for which Independence was being declared, and he also ensured every American of simple, unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and property.
