During the time period of 1750 to 1776, the colonists, to a moderate extent, identified as American. In determining why a vast majority identified as American and why some didn’t, one must look into detail the social, political and economic standpoints that led to such divide. Throughout all 3 points, Thus, the identification of being “American” and its usage depended on the view the person had of Great Britain. In the economic standpoint, due to the “No taxation without representation” slogan being violated by the British, most of the colonists weren’t against the anti-British sentiment boiling up due to the conflict. The ensuing increase in tax acts later led to the practice of tar and feathering tax collectors, and, to a bigger scale, the Boston tea party. The latter event raised both American Patriotism and pride due to the protesters finally having some effect on the British tyrants by damaging their economic system. Due to the coercive acts blocking the main source of supplies for the city of Boston, donations were being given by fellow colonies, further reinforcing the patriotism in …show more content…
The social, political, and economic reasons are factors in determining whether a person considered themselves “American” as well. But a possible factor as well might be fear. Due to the constant tension of being forced to participate against the British, most colonists saw the practice of tar and feathering, as well as the throwing of cheaper tea and the destruction of the Gaspee to be too much for just the right to be taxed with representation. The acts listed above were too much for some of the colonists and adding to that, the fear of Great Britain’s punishment should the colonists fail to win the Revolutionary war added intense fear and pressure to the bystanding citizens. Therefore, fear was also a factor in determining to what extent the colonists considered themselves