Dbq American Identity

Words: 325
Pages: 2

Around 1775, the British colonies in North America began establishing their own identities separate from that of Britain. American colonies were based on representative democracy with an important difference with their English roots. Increased collaboration between American colonies also led to a growing awareness of a distinct American identity.

The desire for independence was sparked by the stiflingly rigid belief in, and application of, mercantilism that was forced upon the colonies, preventing trade freedom. The closed trading imposed by the mother country meant that Britain could add as many taxes on import as they wanted, exploiting the colonies and milking them for all their worth. For example, they taxed windows, sugar, stamps and,