Why Did the Colonists Declare Independence from Britain in July 1776?

July 4, 1776 would be the most memorable era of United States history. On this day, Declaration of Independence—the official statement about American position— was adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting at Pennsylvania State House, Philadelphia (202). There were thirteen of American colonies decided to separate from Great Britain, because they wanted to seek their own freedom for being independence. By this declaration of independence, the colonists officially declared their willingness to fight for their own independence against Great Britain, who had seized their freedom all the time. Benjamin Franklin—one of the leading— spoke on his speech, “Well, Gentlemen, we must now hang together or we shall most assuredly hang separately” (203). Eventually, this declaration changed a structured rebellion—civil war— to be a war between Britain and new nation. The major reasons why did the colonists decide to declare independence from Britain are a lot of unfairness acts they suffered under British rules since the end of the French and Indian War in 1763.

The France and Indian War was the beginning stage of climate conflict between colonists in North America and Britain. It was seven years’ war which was bearing a lot of victims (171). They suddenly decided to sign Treaty of Paris in February 1763 as the only solution to prevent the war. As the result, the British got the majority of France's property in North America that was east of the Mississippi River aside from New Orleans (pg. 177). Moreover, it changed many sectors, including economic, politic, governmental, and social relation between the colonists. Despite of British triumph, they also had suffered much losses. The major problem they faced was number of debts they had to pay. To overcome this matter, King George III created several laws and taxes applied to the colonists which suddenly inflicted dissatisfaction among them.

Sugar Act, was made by King George and the Parliament in 1764 to increase their income by expanding taxes on sugar imported from West Indies (180). Despite of the absence of colonist representative in the Parliament, the colonists were mandatory to pay the taxes. At that time, much colonists feel disappointed and frustrated regarding this act, because they actually did not have to pay the taxes remember they did not have elected representative in the Parliament (181). Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean anything for the Parliament, who suddenly came up with Currency Act of 1764. The purpose of this act was to prohibit the colonists’ currency because it might harmful to British trade. As the impact, the economical condition of colonists experienced loss, suffer, and decline (181).

The British Parliament did not stop there. The prime minister, George Greenville officially applied the Stamp Act on March 22, 1765. All items and documents are required to have tax stamps since it was announced at that time (181). At the same time, the Parliament released the Quartering Act of 1765 as well, which obligated the colonies to feed and house the British soldier. Surely it was very difficult for them to do all these things because in fact, this Act had already burdened their life too much. It is why they believe this act was only another kind of taxation without any representation from colonists in the Parliament, which means it was not beneficial at all for the colonists.