Declaration Of Independence Dbq Analysis

Abdelrahman Hassan 10/21/14
AP-USH Blocks-7/8

DBQ Essay

The colonist’s departed/declared independence from Britain because of unjustified taxes, physical abuse, Britain’s attempt of redirecting the lower class against their colonists, and their view of republican values. It started with Political Philosophy, than shifted to Economic Grievances, Propaganda, and finally them being justified as a lower rank/Social Class. Many people have always thought that the fierce taxes being placed above the colonists is what caused them to crack. But here, I’ll give evidence to why the Colonists really cracked, and decided that independence was the best option for them at the current
Document A in the DBQ clearly talked about John Locke and his consent on political philosophy. John Locke emphasizes consent of the government republican values. The Quebec Act also played a major part in Political Philosophy/Independence. It took colonial lands away from Ohio River, took the representative government from French in Canada, and gave recognition to Catholicism instead of Protestantism. Document G relates to Common sense where Paine’s “Common Sense” states that colonists should fight against Britain and not be a coward or sycophant, furthering the feeling of independence. A quote (Declaration of Independence) states “...to secure these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving their powers from the consent of the government.” Another strong quote which really was a catchy yet true quote that spoke about the virtual representation of the colonists. “Taxation without representation is tyranny.” Thomas Paine’s Common Sense brought up a sense of republican values, as it stated “A government of our own and our natural right.” The Olive Branch Petition angered colonists greatly because of King George declining the petition that stated the Colonists should have asserted rights yet still stay loyal to Britain. Therefore the increase of their version of republican values that was brought up thanks
The Battle of Bunker Hill was a large violent approach by the British. It brutally murdered colonists during a fierce battle, the colonists had barely that much of an advantage because of their choice of weapons and the farmers who never had experience vs the army of GB aka the world’s superpower. The Boston Massacre 1770 was a large example of the physical abuse brought on by the British army. British troops killed colonists through a riot furthering the colonist’s anger towards Britain. The Battles of Lexington and Concord was the same, because it was mainly physical abuse/violent attacks. The Boston Tea Party was an example of the colonist’s revolt against Britain. Protesters to the tea act dumped East India’s tea into the Boston