Conspectus of the History of Political Parties and the Federal Government/Conspectus of Political History/Colonial
Colonial.
Colonial politics.—The colonists were not divided among themselves by political parties; but they advocated sentiments adverse to those of the British crown, in regard to government, trade, and taxation.
Local self-government, the colonies maintained, was secured to them by their charters, which were regarded in the light of civil compacts, not to be changed without the consent of the parties thereto. By virtue of these instruments, and the rights of Englishmen, guaranteed by the magna charta, the colonies also “claimed the exclusive supervision over all internal interests, and the sole right to levy and collect taxes.” They consented that Parliament had the reserved right to regulate commerce, but not to adjust the internal trade of the colonies.
Indirect taxation upon the colonies was attempted as soon as they were favored with prosperity. This was regarded unjust, and protests against the aggressions of Parliament were made by several legislatures. Plymouth protested in 1636, and for the next thirty years other colonies followed the example.
Navigation laws, enacted from time to time, annoyed the colonies after the year 1651. They were odious, among other reasons, because they generally required colonial exports and imports to be carried in English ships, and forced the colonies to trade with England and pay high duty on their products.
Inter-colonial duties, in 1672, upon various articles of trade, were imposed by the parent country for the first time. Manufacturing establishments soon sprang up to counteract this illiberal policy, but these were interdicted and crippled by British authority, and followed by other oppressive measures.
Direct taxation on the colonies was attempted in 1765, by means of the Stamp Act. It provided that all legal documents should be executed upon paper bearing a stamp for which the English government charged a specific price. This was resented by the colonies with indignation, protests, and alarm, and was followed by a series of aggressions upon the local self-government of the colonists, who, when civil measures had been exhausted in behalf of their cause, resorted to arms.
The War of the Revolution began in 1775, and was waged one year against the mother country for a redress of grievances; but being unable to obtain this, the colonies declared themselves free and independent.