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The most significant factor in that time period was unity. The wrath of intercolonial disunity slowly dissolved as time went on. Enormous distances between colonies, geographical barriers like rivers, conflicting religions, varied nationalities, different types of governments, boundary disputes, and resentment amongst themselves were the factors involving disunity. However, the colonists over time started to understand that they were all fellow Americans who shared common ideals. In 1754, the Pennsylvania Gazette showed the colonists an image that would show that unification was essential for independence. It was a picture of a snake that was cut into little parts and each part was a place.
The snake depicts the image of independence, and without the unification of all its parts, it will not be complete. The title "JOIN, or DIE" of this drawing is demanding. The author of this drawing wanted to say that if the colonists wanted to achieve independence, they must unite and fight together for their common cause (A). In regards to unity, during 1774 and 1775, there were 17 contributors of Donations for the Relief of Boston. This astonishing number of contributors reflects the desire and willingness for unification.
It shows that from anywhere as north as Massachusetts and as south as South Carolina, the colonies wanted to help each other out when another was in need. This fact is clearly evident that indeed America was slowly but surely trying to unite and fight as one (G). Another piece of evidence, which was composed in the 1770 's, can be seen in the Letters from an American Farmer by Hector St. John Cr " eve coeur. The narrator in this letter says that he "could point out to you a family whose grandfather was an Englishman, whose wife was Dutch, whose son married a French woman" (H). This quote shows that people were creating a new race, which in return, brings unification amongst different nationalities in colonial America.
I thought the quote following that quote was even more significant in the establishment of unification. "He is an American, who leaving behind all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced" (H). It clearly states in this quote that he is "leaving behind all his ancient prejudices and manners" and that he, along with other Americans, are uniting as one and slowly gaining their independence. The lack of organization between colonies is another significant factor that was holding the Americans back from independence. In The Famous Math Bytes: The Noted Boston Tory Preacher, Poet, and Wit, 1707 - 1788, the author asks an interesting question. He asks, "but tell me, my young friend, which is better, to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away, or by three thousand tyrants not a mile away." Although this quote may seem like one tyrant three thousand miles away does seem "better", the three thousand tyrants a mile away were not tyrants at all. Instead, they were colonists who were acting legitimately upon the scenario they were put in.
The one tyrant three thousand miles away was using the "three thousand tyrants" in a way that to the colonists was simply inexcusable. They felt used, and merely acted in a way that any other human being would have acted (D). Also, one may argue that the beliefs of the colonists were unorganized and differed from one to another. The beliefs ranged from all out fighting for independence to non-violently restoring the ties of loyalty.
For example, some tried to assure the British that they meant, "not to dissolve that union which has so long and so happily subsisted between" them and "sincerely wish to see restored" (E). The source of this quote is from the Declaration for the Causes of Taking up Arms. The "Olive Branch Petition" professed American loyalty to the crown, begging the king to prevent further hostilities. This petition was written in July of 1775, which was about the same time as the quote. In August 1775, King George III slammed the door on all hopes of reconciliation and formally proclaimed the colonies in rebellion. Since a whole month passed after the "Olive Branch Petition" and the Declaration for the Causes of Taking up Arms was written, there had to have been some type of spark to ignite the decision made by King George.
This meant that there were indeed difference in opinions amongst the colonies and their organization in reaching a mutual agreement. As time passed, more and more people understood the logic behind seeking independence and were steadily nudging towards it. As time passed, the Body of People in the America were becoming more and more united as one. This quote represents exactly how determined Americans were to stand firmly and seek independence: "All N. America is now most firmly united and as firmly resolved to defend their liberties ad infinitum against every power on Earth that my attempt to take them away" (C).
With powerful quotes like these, the colonists slowly but surely developed a sense of their identity and unity as Americans. Although the colonists were unorganized and were lacking unity amongst themselves, they did in the end understand that uniting as one would be the only chance they for the fight for independence. Even though their unorganized and their lack of unity did hold them back a bit, it brought the Americans together because they argued their different beliefs and learned other peoples' opinions. With the knowledge obtained from the countless numbers of different beliefs and opinions, the Americans molded into what they believed was best. As a result of the obstacles that the colonists overcame, a beautiful nation emerged. The United States of America is by far one of the most well off countries in the world.
Even though the lack of unity and disorganization of the colonial American period brought doubts to their journey for independence, they ultimately won this battle and flourished into a top quality country.
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Research essay sample on Three Thousand Miles King George
