Day 24 | RAS Mains 2025 Answer Writing | 90 Days

Colonial North America underwent a significant ideological and political shift between 1775 and 1783, culminating in independence from Britain and the establishment of the USA, known as the American War of Independence. The factors contributing to this emergence are as follows:

1. Economic factors: British policies such as the Navigation Acts (1651), which mandated the use of British ships only, and acts imposing heavy import duties (1673) stifled American industry, along with restrictions on fur hats and copper smelting factories (1732).
2. Political factors: Policies such as the Sugar Act (1764), Stamp Act, Currency Act (1765), and Townshend Acts(1767) (encompassing paper, paint, coin, glass, and tea), fueled discontent among the American colonies.
3. Mercantile Capitalism: British policies under mercantile capitalism aimed to enrich the mother country by tightly controlling colonial trade(i.e.,Navigation Act-1751, Iron Act, Hat Act).
4. Home Rule vs. Imperialism: Appointment of Governor, Military cheif etc by british 
5. Nature of American colonies: With their British origin and a high level of political consciousness, the American colonies were aware of democratic values, exemplified by documents like the Virginia Magna Carta.
6. Role of intellectuals: Figures like Thomas Paine (“Common Sense”), Benjamin Franklin (American Philosophical Society), Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams (Committee of Correspondence), James otis(“No taxation without representation”) and Patrick Henry (“Give me liberty or give me death”) ignited nationalist sentiments through their intellectual contributions.
7. Lack of affinity for England: Many colonists were either religiously persecuted or criminals deported to the colonies, leading to a lack of emotional attachment to England.
8. Influence of Enlightenment ideas: which championed concepts such as individual liberty, reason, and natural rights, fostering a spirit of questioning authority and advocating for self-governance among the American colonists.
9. Policies adopted by King George III: His shortsighted pursuit of autocratic rule further alienated the colonies.
10. Immediate triggers: Events such as the Boston Massacre (March 5, 1770) and the Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773) served as catalysts for resistance

The American War of Independence, driven by economic struggles and Enlightenment values, serves as the model for revolutions worldwide, earning its reputation as the “Mother of All Revolutions” and inspiring freedom movements across the globe.