The American Revolution from a British Perspective, 1763-1783

The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) was the culmination of an increasingly fraught relationship between the Thirteen Colonies of British America and the Colonial Government, which represented the British Crown. Delegates from these colonies argued in Congress that there should be "no taxation without representation" in British Parliament.

This collection contains pamphlets authored on both sides of the Atlantic in the eighteenth century. The material covers a wide range of subject matters, shedding light on colonial governance, taxation, religion, and the debate over territory. Pamphlets discuss key events, such as the Boston Massacre of 1770, the 1773 Tea Act, and the 1775 Stamp Act.

Material includes Founding Father John Adams’ History of the dispute with America; From Its Origin in 1754. This can be contrasted with the "full and faithful" reports of British parliamentary debates, which offer a different perspective on the Revolutionary War. Overall, the diversity of perspectives represented in the pamphlets contribute to a comprehensive collection.

The importance of these pamphlets has been long appreciated and the richness of their contents suspected but heretofore they have not all been readily accessible and some have been virtually unknown

Colin Bonwick and Thomas R. Adam, University of Keele and Brown University, R.I.

Insights

The American Revolution was precipitated by the introduction of a series of new taxes. This caused growing resentment amongst revolutionaries who felt the increase in taxation should be accompanied by an increase in representation in parliament.

Pamphlets became important conveyors of ideas and were used by both revolutionaries and the British to try to influence public opinion and disseminate information.

Earlier pamphlets included in this collection discuss the impact of new taxation that Britain imposed on America. Some of these pamphlets express concern at potential unrest due to the high level of these taxes.

Pamphlets from 1773 to 1774 reflect the strained nature of relations between Britain and America. It is noteworthy that, despite tensions, many believed the dispute would be resolved amicably.

There is a marked change of tone when tracking these pamphlets over time. Authors began to react to the fact that Britain was at war with America and they adjusted their writing to reflect this.