From: Kristy Ortenzi
Date: 2/14/00
Time: 11:45:25 PM
Remote Name: 205.188.197.52
Kristy Ortenzi
Text Assignment
When and how did the Americans decide that independence was their only option? For the Americans, deciding that independence was their only option was a complicated decision that did not come easy. There were many factors and underlying issues that finally made Americans realize that independence was the only thing that they could do to save themselves. The final decision for Americans to settle for independence was made on July 2, 1776. After a extensive debate, Congress voted for American independence. Thomas Jefferson, a young writer, wrote the Declaration of Independence. George III caused many problems between Britain and the new world and the Declaration of Independence consisted of many objections against George III and his government. George III and his government was just one factor leading up to the decision for independence. The Stamp Act in 1765, taxed deeds, newspapers, and marriage licenses among many other documents. This affected the lives of many women and men and caused riots to break out in cities. The reasons for these protests were due to the fear that the act would increase unemployment and poverty. On May 13, 1773, Parliament passed the Tea Act which allows the east India Company to sell tea directly to American retailers. This caused a few problems one being that it endangered powerful colonial merchants that had a good business going for themselves in trading Dutch tea. By the summer of 1774, the colonists knew that something had to be done but they did not know what. The committees called for a meeting of fifty-five delegates from twelve colonies called the Continental Congress. It was held on September 5 in Philadelphia. Many of the men that attended were the most respected leaders in America and they were strangers among each other. Confrontations raised during this meeting, some wanted to make a move right away while others wanted to be more careful in the decision. They discussed the resistance of the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) which lead to the boycott of all British goods. After the Prohibitory Act in December 1775, which caused the resistance of American goods lead to the Second Continental Congress and this moved Americans closer to the decision for independence. Independence for Americans was not an easy decision that was decided over night. It took many smart men and great leaders of America to finally decide that Independence was the best decision for the American interest. Today, Americans still celebrate Independence Day on July 4.