Q. American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. [UPSC-2013]
Ans:
American Revolution was a colonial revolt started by American patriots again Great Britain. It formally occurred between 1775 to 1783. It ended with Paris treaty and the result was the freedom of 13 American colonies. ©crackingcivilservices.com
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American Revolution as an economic revolt against mercantilism:
- British colonies were always subjected to the mercantilist policies at home. e.g.
- Controlled production and trade: It resulted in enormous trade restrictions, which stunted the growth and freedom of colonial businesses. For example,
- the Navigation Act of 1651 forbade foreign vessels from trading along the British coast and required colonial exports to first pass through British control before being redistributed throughout Europe.
- The Staple act 1663 any goods picked up in foreign ports had to be taken back to England, unloaded, inspected, paid for in duties, and repacked for shipment to the colonies. This greatly increased the prices paid by colonial consumers.
- Inflation and taxation: The British government demanded trades were conducted using gold and silver bullion, ever seeking a positive balance of trade. The colonies often had insufficient bullion left over to circulate in their markets, so they issued paper currency instead. Mismanagement of printed currency resulted in inflationary periods.
- Controlled production and trade: It resulted in enormous trade restrictions, which stunted the growth and freedom of colonial businesses. For example,
- However, the acts were not strictly enforced till 1763. So the American colonies enjoyed comparable freedom and never thought to break away from the mother country. But after end of ‘the 7 year war’ Britain changed it policy and started to enforce these measures strictly.
- A series of acts were passed in British parliament to fulfill the British mercantile interest. e.g. Stampt act, Sugar act, Ban on expansion westward etc. Such policies change gave birth to a clash between British mercantilism and American capitalism and result was American protest.
- In early period, the protest was not to become free rather to make British withdraw such policies.
- Some scholars like Charles A. Beard has pointed out that the structure of USA’s Constitution was motivated primarily by the personal financial interests of the Founding Fathers. e.g. The rights to property as a fundamental right.
- Thus, It can be said that the revolution was mainly had economic basis.
However, other factors behind the revolution as well:
- The Issue of democratic values also became important as manifested in the slogans like ‘no taxation without representation’ and ‘give me liberty or give me death’. The formation of America as a democratic country after independence also reflect the importance of democratic values.
- Various enlightenment ideals were also reflected in ‘the declaration of independence’ of 1776. e.g. ideals of John Locke.
- The American institutions and identity had developed on their line in absence of interference from the Britain. So, some scholars have pointed that separation was just a matter of time and was inevitable.
Thus, though economic reasons were major factors behind the revolt it was primarily about the values of democratic government. ©crackingcivilservices.com
