American Identity

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American Identity Leading to the American Revolution
British colonization leads people at this time to see two distinct pictures. One is the struggle and hardship of Jamestown, and the other more typical first Thanksgiving. These pictures represent the beginning of the American identity that was created in the barren wilderness of the colonies in the early years. The tough conditions added to the isolation the colonists faced. This leads to distinct economic, political, and social differences from people still living in England. This contributed to the unique American identity that was created leading up to the revolutionary war. The original American settlers considered themselves as subjects of the British crown, but as the economy, government, …show more content…
During the early phase of colonization there was limited ability for the colonists to change laws. The colonies were ruled by either an appointed governor or proprietor of the colony. The King of England had the final authority in deciding on matters related to the colonies. Without much thought on the part of either the king or the governors of the colonies legislative bodies were created that were based upon the British parliament. Looking back on this decision the British government wished it had not set these bodies up by the time of the revolution. These bodies were considered early forms of representative government. When these legislatures were initially formed they made recommendations about how the colony should operate. However, the final determination of whether to accept or reject the legislative recommendation was made by either the governor or the proprietor. A period of salutary neglect, including the failure to inforce the navigation act took place. During this period British interest in the rules enforced within the colonies diminished allowing the legislatures of the colonies to become more powerful. At the conclusion of the Seven Years War and the creation of the Proclamation of 1763 the British government took greater interest in the colonies activities and they imposed more taxes and regulations on the colonies …show more content…
That identity formed due to the unique economic, political, and social changes that took place in the colonies. This shift in identity occurred gradually without British authority and even most colonists notice. The formation of a distinct American identity provoked conflict with the British in regards to taxes and acts imposed on the colonies. American frustrations with these regulations imposed along with them no longer identifying themselves as British causes a loss of loyalty to the crown that results in the American
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