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George III and the Origins of the American Revolution: 1751-1763

Mikhail Bulgakov

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Published in Prelude To Disaster: George III And The Origins Of The American Revolution 17511763 (American University Studies 207)

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George III was King of Great Britain from 1760 to 1820. During his reign, the American Revolution took place, resulting in the independence of the thirteen American colonies. This article explores the events leading up to the revolution, including the policies of George III and the response of the colonists.

Prelude to Disaster: George III and the Origins of the American Revolution 17511763 (American University Studies 207)

Prelude to Disaster: George III and the Origins of the American Revolution, 17511763 (American University Studies Book 207)

by John L. Bullion

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Early Years of George III

George III was born in London on June 4, 1738. He was the eldest son of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. George's father died when he was only two years old, and his mother became regent for her son until he reached the age of 18. George III was a sickly child, and he was often tutored at home. He was not a very good student, but he was interested in music and art.

In 1760, George III's grandfather, King George II, died, and George III became King of Great Britain. He was only 22 years old at the time. George III was a young and inexperienced king, but he was determined to rule his country well. He was a strong believer in the divine right of kings, and he believed that he had been chosen by God to rule Great Britain.

The American Colonies

The American colonies were founded in the early 17th century by English settlers. The colonists came to America for a variety of reasons, including religious freedom, economic opportunity, and political freedom. The colonies were mostly self-governing, but they were still subject to the authority of the British government.

In the early 1700s, the American colonies began to experience a period of rapid economic growth. This growth was fueled by the expansion of agriculture and the development of new industries. The colonies also began to develop a strong sense of their own identity. They were proud of their accomplishments, and they were increasingly resentful of British control.

The Policies of George III

George III's policies towards the American colonies were based on the belief that the colonies were subject to the authority of the British government. He believed that the colonies should be taxed by Parliament, and he was determined to enforce the laws of Parliament in the colonies.

In 1764, Parliament passed the Sugar Act, which imposed a tax on sugar imported into the American colonies. The colonists were outraged by this tax, and they organized protests and boycotts. In 1765, Parliament passed the Stamp Act, which imposed a tax on all printed materials in the colonies. The colonists were even more outraged by this tax, and they organized a boycott of British goods.

The British government responded to the protests and boycotts by sending troops to the colonies. The troops were met with resistance from the colonists, and the situation quickly escalated into violence. In 1775, the American Revolution began.

The American Revolution

The American Revolution was a long and bloody conflict. The colonists were fighting for their independence, and the British were determined to keep the colonies as part of the British Empire. The war lasted for eight years, and the colonists eventually won their independence.

The American Revolution was a watershed event in world history. It was the first successful revolution against a European power, and it inspired other revolutions around the world. The American Revolution also helped to establish the United States as a major world power.

George III's policies towards the American colonies were a major factor in the outbreak of the American Revolution. His belief that the colonies were subject to the authority of the British government was not shared by the colonists, who were increasingly resentful of British control. The British government's response to the protests and boycotts of the colonists only served to further escalate the situation, and the American Revolution was the inevitable result.

Prelude to Disaster: George III and the Origins of the American Revolution, 17511763 (American University Studies Book 207)

by John L. Bullion

5 out of 5