I live somewhere along the rough coast of the colony of Massachusetts. Some of the most well-known things to do in our area are fishing, making ships, and doing business. Although gardening is a great thing to do in this area because of the rough and uneven ground and very harsh winters, it is not impossible. Because of this, the ocean is a significant food source for people, and we depend on it a lot. Boston has grown into one of the busiest places in the colonies thanks to its role in Atlantic trade, whaling, and fishing for cod. Our harbors are bustling because there are so many ships coming from all over the world to bring goods to us. The economy of our area is mainly based on maritime activities, while economies in other areas rely more on farming.
As a dedicated citizen working as a printer, the unfair Stamp Act had a direct effect on my business. I had to pay extra taxes even though all I was doing was making pamphlets, newspapers, and other products. Because the British government was taking away our freedoms, I joined the Sons of Liberty to fight back against their oppression. We have tried many times over the past ten years to get a voice in Parliament and a break from unfair taxes, but the king keeps denying us a voice while, on the other hand, making us take on more responsibility.
The Boston Massacre in 1770 was one of the most important events that led to the United States being formed. British troops opened fire on a group of people who were not armed, killing five colonists. This showed that the crown was mean and did not care about people’s rights. Violence will be used to silence people who call for freedom, as this tragedy showed. Our leaders took action because brave victims like Crispus Attucks fought for their rights before more innocent people died.
The Tea Act, which was passed in 1773, was another thing that led to the revolution. Even though it lowered the tax on tea, the monopoly still allowed unfair taxation because no one could speak out against it (Miao, 2021). Along with other Sons of Liberty members, I took part in the famous Boston Tea Party. It involved a number of raids on East India Company ships and the dropping of chests of tea into Boston Harbor. After that, the Intolerable Acts were passed to punish Massachusetts and take away its political rights. This strict stance by the British made it clear that King George III would keep taking away our freedom no matter how well we made our case. We could only move forward if we were free, which meant we had to become independent.
The Declaration of Independence, which was written in 1776, was necessary and proper. We had asked the king and Parliament for more than ten years for fair treatment and a voice, but everything had stayed the same. We told the king not to listen to us, and Parliament kept taxing the colonies in a complex and unfair way without our permission. With such a harsh government across the Atlantic Ocean, we cannot do well or grow. For good, it was time to stop British rule and take back our natural right as Americans to be in charge of our own lives. Being in charge of our own lives meant that freedom would be back, and the oppression by the British people would come to an end. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which finally said that we were free from the king’s unfair rules and abuse. It was the right thing to do to fight for our freedom, and it helped shape the principles on which our new country would be based. It was the Declaration of Independence that got people behind the American Revolution and gave us the strength to fight until we got our freedom. The government is still based on its ideas, so they are still important today.
As for what I have done so far, I have handed out leaflets and editorials to try to get people to back independence. The reason I write is to stir up revolutionary enthusiasm and get the facts out there. Also, if the British try to attack Massachusetts, I am ready to join the colonial army and take up arms. While this battle may not be simple, it is essential to remember that protecting our freedom from tyranny is worth any cost. In spite of the problems that lie ahead, gaining freedom will make the future safer and better for everyone.
During these rough times, I urge you to stay strong. We are right, even though war has broken out. Have trust that freedom will win over oppression. Have conviction that things are going to change and normal routine is going to resume. Make an effort to remain safe, avoid commotions, and stay indoors where possible to avoid being involved in attacks.
Your loyal cousin,
(Your Name)
Reference
Miao, M. (2021). Kindling the Flame of Revolution. The History Teacher, 55(1), 121-136. https://societyforhistoryeducation.org/pdfs/N21_Miao.pdf
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